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PJ Fuller, Desmond Bane earn Big 12 honors

The guard duo were instrumental to the Frogs’ upset of no. 2 Baylor Saturday

NCAA Basketball: Baylor at Texas Christian Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

PJ Fuller’s adjustment to the college game didn’t happen overnight, but the freshman guard has really come into his own over the last several weeks and has starred with freshman point guard Francisco Farabello and redshirt sophomore combo guard RJ Nembhard sidelined due to injuries. This week, he was rewarded for his efforts, being named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week:

Fuller’s 21 points were a career high, and his 17 in the second half helped the Horned Frogs overcome a double-digit deficit. He punctuated the win with a loud dunk in the final seconds, setting off a celebration inside Schollmaier Arena. Fuller has player 28, 34, and 38 minutes over his last three games, scoring 6, 10, and 21 points in that span. He has seven total assists in his last two games as well.

Desmond Bane has been the Frogs’ star all season, but he ascended into national name category Saturday on the big stage. His 23 point performance — that included a 5/5 effort from beyond the arc — got him named Big 12 Player of the Week:

Bane, who is averaging over 16 points per game this season, had two 20-point plus efforts this week, including 22 on the road at Iowa State. He had a double-double in Ames (11 rebounds), and added five rebounds and four assists against the Bears Saturday. After hitting the go-ahead three pointer with 4:42 remaining, Bane blocked a Baylor shot attempted and hit his next two shots, part of a personal 8-0 run that made it a 63-55 TCU advantage. He assisted on Fuller’s punctuation mark jam to seal the victory — the Frogs’ third win over a ranked opponent at home this season.

It hasn’t been the senior season the Frogs’ star expected, but Bane’s performance put him on the map nationally and reminded folks why he’s a legit NBA prospect.

The Frogs face off with Kansas in Lawrence Wednesday before closing the regular season at home against Oklahoma. Bane will be honored Saturday as part of TCU Basketball’s senior day festivities, and is the only senior to play all four years for the Horned Frogs.