TCU getting good 'Punch' as it enters matchup with Oral Roberts

TCU is looking to find some consistency as it hosts Oral Roberts on Thursday night in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Horned Frogs (7-3) have won five of their last six games, including a signature win over reigning national champion Florida. However, they have also had spurts of struggles such as a closer-than-expected 69-65 home victory over Incarnate Word on Monday.

"I certainly liked how we executed down the stretch, how we defended down the stretch," Frogs coach Jamie Dixon said. "Our preparation was good this week, but we just didn't play as well as I thought we would play. We have to recognize that and use these two days to get better before Oral Roberts."

Dixon praised the play of David Punch, saying he willed the team to victory over Incarnate Word with 17 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. Punch is leading the team with 13.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Jayden Pierre is next in scoring at 11.3 points followed by Brock Harding's 10.4.

Punch, a sophomore forward, has emerged as the leader of the team.

"He's a voice now in the huddle," Dixon said. "We really talked to him about being that. He has the ability to do a lot of things, but the best thing he does is rebound and score around the basket."

Oral Roberts (5-8), meanwhile, is searching for its first road victory of the season in six outings. The Golden Eagles are coming off a 63-62 loss at Missouri State on Tuesday.

Oral Roberts battled back from a six-point halftime deficit and took the lead on a 3-pointer by Ofri Naveh with 15 seconds left, but Missouri State pulled it out with a layup in the final seconds.

Naveh had 18 points on the night. Ty Harper finished with a team-high 20 points, including 18 in the second half for his sixth 20-point performance of the season.

This will be the first meeting between the programs since TCU won 71-63 on Dec. 2, 2021 in Fort Worth.

--Field Level Media