TCU Horned Frogs at UNLV Rebels

TCU survives first test on the road, beats UNLV 63-59

Desmond Bane scored 15 points and reserve Vladimir Brodzainsky had 14 to lead TCU past UNLV 63-59 in the Sports Global Classic on Friday night.

"We got through it and got it done," TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. "We're excited about it. In a game like that, we didn't shoot it (well) and make free throws, but we took care of the ball."

Kenrich Williams had 18 rebounds for TCU (5-0), which plays Washington in the championship game on Saturday night. The Horned Frogs' bench outscored UNLV's 34-2 as the Rebels turned the ball over 19 times to TCU's 13.

"We got some steals, but we didn't finish (some) in the transitions," Dixon said. "But we're putting it together. It is progress. But it's a road win in November and you get many of those in November."

Jalen Poyser led the Rebels (3-2) with 19 points, while Dwayne Morgan added 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.

"Obviously, (turnovers were) the tell-tale stat for us," UNLV coach Marvin Menzies said. "A lot of them, we threw right at them. TCU did a good job being physical. We play tomorrow night again. When you lose, you got to take it up a notch. There's not a lot of time to do it."

With TCU leading 62-59, Jaylen Fisher sealed it for the Horned Frogs as he hit 1 of 2 free throws with eight seconds left.

In the first half, UNLV opened with an 11-2 run before TCU earned its first lead at 20-19. The Horned Frog eventually led 30-27 at intermission, thanks to 12 Rebels' first-half turnovers. UNLV hung around after making five 3-pointers in the half, while TCU was 3 of 14.

Brodziansky had 11 points in the half on 4 of 5 shooting for the Horned Frogs.

After four lead changes early in the second half, the Horned Frogs took the lead for good at 38-36. TCU extended its advantage to seven on two occasions, the last at 50-43 with 8:22 remaining. The Rebels answered with two consecutive 3-pointers, the last with 7:19 to go, but never got closer.

FIRST REAL TESTS

TCU: This was the Horned Frogs first road test after having an easier time against smaller-school conferences in their previous games all at home.

UNLV: This is the first Power 5 conference team that the Rebels faced this year. After the conclusion of the Sports Global Classic, UNLV hits the road for two games.

SERIES MEETING

This was the first time since 2012 that the two former Mountain West Conference rivals met. The Rebels lead the all-time series 17-5. The Horned Frogs led for the Big 12 in 2012.

UP NEXT

TCU: The Horned Frogs play Washington at UNLV in the Global Sports championship game on Saturday.

UNLV: The Rebels host Western Kentucky in the consolation game on Saturday.

How can I watch TCU vs. UNLV?

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