Homefield — March Madness

TCUNo. 9

Ohio StateNo. 8

FinalCBS

37.9%

39.1%

3PT

REB

AST

42.9%

27.3%

3PT

REB

AST

Forget what the bracket says -- the 8-9 game is a toss-up. 9-seeds actually lead the all-time series 83-77. The "higher" seed means nothing here.

TCU Survives Ohio State's Second-Half Surge

Micah Robinson's 18 points on efficient shooting gave TCU just enough cushion to hold off a 13-point Ohio State second-half run in a 66-64 East Region opener.

Micah Robinson finished with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, going 4-of-6 from three, and never forced the issue when Ohio State's defense tightened in the second half. He did his damage early, helping TCU build a 15-point halftime lead that ultimately proved to be the difference.

David Punch was the complementary force TCU needed, posting 16 points and 13 rebounds in just 28 minutes, adding three blocks against a Buckeye interior that otherwise found openings all night. His presence protected TCU's basket at critical moments during Ohio State's second-half charge.

TCU's 10 offensive rebounds to Ohio State's 4 was the quiet margin-setter in this one, with Xavier Edmonds pulling down all four of his rebounds on the offensive glass despite logging only 19 minutes. Ohio State's offense came alive after the break, outscoring TCU 40-27 in the second half with a more fluid ball movement attack that generated 18 assists on the game, but the Buckeyes simply ran out of time to complete the comeback against a TCU team that protected the ball and controlled possession when it mattered most.

Game Story

The TCU Horned Frogs narrowly escaped with a 66-64 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in a thriller.•Micah Robinson sparked the attack with 18 points while also collecting 5 rebounds.•Ohio State blew the game open with a 40-27 2nd half.•Ohio State had 18 assists compared to TCU's 12, showing better ball movement.•TCU held a 34-28 rebounding advantage.•The TCU Horned Frogs narrowly escaped with a 66-64 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in a thriller.•Micah Robinson sparked the attack with 18 points while also collecting 5 rebounds.•Ohio State blew the game open with a 40-27 2nd half.•Ohio State had 18 assists compared to TCU's 12, showing better ball movement.•TCU held a 34-28 rebounding advantage.•