Men’s Basketball: TCU hosting Mississippi Valley State Friday evening

TCU is coming off a 88-55 win over the UTRGV Vaqueros Monday night. JaKobe Coles has been instrumental in the Horned Frogs’ three consecutive victories, showcasing a significant turnaround from the 2022 season.

Last season Coles only averaged 8.6 points and 4 rebounds. In Monday night’s game he put up 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and is averaging 16 points per game, which ranks fifth in the Big 12.

Coles has proven to be one of the most efficient playmakers on the court alongside Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. who have scored in double-figures in each of the Frogs’ three games. Avery Anderson III and Nelson Jr. have also shown that they can rely on each other against a pressuring defender.

Looking at the Delta Devils, Mississippi Valley State fell to UConn’s offense Tuesday night 87-53. The Huskies had a 17-point advantage over the Delta Devils going into halftime and secured the victory outscoring MVS 43-26 in the second half.

The Delta Devils had no answer for UConn’s Cam Spencer who was efficient at knocking down three’s and completed 7-of-11 attempts. Mississippi Valley State’s Rayquan Brown recorded 18 points and eight rebounds alongside Donovan Sanders who added 12 points to lead the team.

Offensively the team struggled and scored less than 1-point per possession, shot 32% from the field, and only sank 1-of-9 three-point attempts.

For the Frogs, they continue to be a second half team. They express that they are not worried about the first-half pace because they collect themselves during halftime. Although it continues to be a point of emphasis, tonight, we will see if the Frogs can establish an early offensive to secure a dominant first-half lead.

The game will take place tonight at the Schollmaier Arena, with tip-off at 7 p.m. CT, ad will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN +.