In a monumental upset, Texas Christian University took down the fifth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones 62-55 at Schollmaier Arena. This stunning victory marks a significant milestone for the TCU Horned Frogs, who were predicted to lose by 15.1 points according to CHD Scout's pre-game forecast. Instead, TCU's stifling defense and balanced offense propelled them to a 7-point win, handing Iowa State their fourth loss of the season.
TCU's 7-Point Upset Marks Largest Defeat of Top-5 Team This Season
The game got off to a competitive start, with Iowa State holding a slim 30-29 lead at halftime. However, TCU's Tanner Toolson and Micah Robinson caught fire in the second half, combining for 24 points to fuel the Horned Frogs' comeback. Toolson, in particular, was unstoppable, finishing with 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead all scorers. Robinson added 17 points and 6 rebounds, providing a crucial spark off the bench.
On the other side, Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson put on a show, tallying 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in a valiant effort to keep his team afloat. Despite his heroics, the Cyclones struggled to find their rhythm, shooting a paltry 25% from beyond the arc. Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome TCU's relentless defense.
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The upset victory has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For TCU, this win represents a Quadrant 1 victory, a crucial addition to their postseason portfolio. With a current NET ranking of 53, the Horned Frogs are now firmly in the mix for an at-large bid. Conversely, Iowa State's loss could potentially drop them from their current No. 5 spot in the rankings, although the Cyclones still boast an impressive resume with this game classified as a Quadrant 1 loss.
The CHD Scout prediction, which had Iowa State winning by a comfortable margin, was proven woefully incorrect. This outcome serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where upsets can occur on any given night. As the season enters its final stretch, TCU's victory will undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the conference, while Iowa State want to regroup and refocus ahead of their next matchup.
This result will undoubtedly bolster TCU's tournament chances, providing a much-needed boost to their resume. With several tough games remaining on their schedule, the Horned Frogs want to build on this momentum and make a strong push for a postseason berth. For Iowa State, the loss serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to stay focused and avoid complacency as they navigate the remainder of their conference slate.