It had been three years since TCU beat rival SMU in basketball; tonight it only took a great defensive effort, solid play from some newcomers, and a first year head coach.

The Frogs got 13 points from junior college transfer Edvinas Ruzgas and 12 points from freshman Ronnie Moss, to beat the SMU Mustangs, 62-44. The 44 points allowed by TCU, was a season low. The Horned Frogs forced 21 turnovers and allowed SMU to shoot only 15% from three-point land in the contest.

TCU jumped out to an early 21-11 lead off of a tip in dunk by freshman Kevin Butler. The Frogs were seriously never challenged after this point. SMU was able to cut it to 42-37, but TCU went on a 20-7 run to end the game, to make this an easy win down the stretch.

Senior Kevin Langford, playing in his last game against SMU, scored only 9 points. Langford was in foul trouble most of the first half.

"I saw our young guys grow up a lot tonight, make some big, big plays," TCU coach Jim Christian said. "Kevin picked up two early fouls, and to do it without him helped everybody gain more confidence."

One freshman who grew up mightily was guard Ronnie Moss. The hometown hero went 5-5 from the field for 12 points and 2 assists.

"I think he did a really good job tonight. He ran the team well when he was running them. He went to the basket when he could. He played under control. He is really growing up," said Christian.

TCU forward Edvinas Ruzgas started the year hot, scoring double-digits in his first three games. The three-point specialist had been cold from the field, but late in the second half knocked down two threes in a row.

"It's been a little harder because everyone tries to face guard me the whole game, but I still try to move without the ball well so I can get my shot off," said Ruzgas. "Coach Christian has said be confident in what I'm doing and when I'm open shoot it."
SMU junior college transfer Derek Williams led the Mustangs with 16 points. Senior center Bamba Fall had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Freshman star guard Paul McCoy struggled during the night, committing 5 turnovers and going 3-9 from the field.
Freshman guard Paul McCoy looked his age for the first time this season with eight points and five turnovers. He also had four assists and four steals.
With 30 second lefts to go in the ball game, Frog fans let Coach Christian know their support by chanting..."TCU...TCU...TCU....TCU!"

The Frogs record is now 3-3 on the season while the SMU Mustangs fell
to 2-3 tonight.

TCU plays next at the Daniel-Meyer Coliseum on Saturday November 29th when they face St. Gregory¹s (Okla.) University at 7:00 P.M.

1 Comments

Merg said:

Josh,

Did I here you are from Iowa? I am from Estherville, Ia and have lived in Dallas since 1982 when I graduated from the Univ. of Iowa.
I enjoy your show, Sports Talk on Channel 52.

Take care,
Merg

February 25, 2009 6:51 PM

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