TCU sputters early, fall to Kansas

Kansas was done with playing TCU close.

The Jayhawks used a hot start, coupled with stifling defense to cruise to a 75-56 win over TCU on Saturday at Schollmaier Arena.

“They were right and we had no fight,” TCU head coach Trent Johnson said. ”I didn’t see this coming.”

Kansas shot over 53 percent in the first half en route to an 18-point halftime lead. The Jayhawks never trailed in rout.

“It’s a tough one man,” junior guard Brandon Parrish said. “For us to play at home and not compete to the level we know we are capable, it’s disappointing.

Perry Ellis led the way for Kansas with 23 points and ten rebounds, his 16^th career double-double.

“Perry Ellis is like a polished pro, he’s been around a long time,” Johnson said of Ellis.

Parrish also complemented Ellis’ performance.

“His strength is his what stands out,” Parrish said. “Pound-for-pound, he can bang with anybody.”

TCU struggled from the field, shooting a season low 28.6 percent in the loss.

“They are good defensively, they have Mason guarding the ball well with Ellis and Traylor down low,” Johnson said. “When Chauncey (Collins) comes off the on-ball screen he needs to go to the basket more, but sometimes he doesn’t because he knows there is going to be some physicality. That’s the mental toughness I always talk about.”

Parrish and JD Miller led the offensive attack for TCU with 13 points apiece. Miller’s output was a career high.

”I give them (Kansas) a lot of credit, there’s a reason they have dominated our league for a long time,” Parrish said.

The Frogs were manhandled on the glass as Kansas outrebounded the Frogs 46-25.

“The rebounding advantage showed how competitive they were and how competitive we weren’t,” Johnson said.

The rebounding advantage played a big part in the Jayhawks outscoring TCU 46-14 in the paint.

“TCU has always given us a hard time on the glass,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We were much better at that today.”

The Frogs got off to a slow start offensively scoring only three points in the first six-plus minutes of the game while going 1-of-9 from the field in the process.

Things got tougher for the Frogs in the first half when Malique Trent injured his left wrist on a drive to the basket and was fouled by Jamari Traylor.

Trent would make one of the following two free throws before checking out of the game to get his wrist taped up.

Johnson said Trent’s wrist is sprained and will be further evaluated tomorrow during the team’s light workout.

“It’s not good, but at this time of the season you get bumps and bruises,” Johnson said. “It’s just part of it.”

Trent’s free throw following the collision and Karviar Shepherd’s lay-up on the next possession would cut Kansas’ lead to 21-13.

That’s as close as TCU would get the rest of the way as the Jayhawks closed the half on a 17-7 run.

“Coach (Self) has been preaching for us to show energy and I was trying to get after every 50-50 ball,” sophomore guard Devonte’ Graham said.

The previous four contests between the Frogs and Jayhawks had been decided by a total of 24 points.

The Frogs are back in action Monday night at home against Oklahoma State. Tip-off is set for 6 P.M. and will be televised on ESPNU. The TCU IMG Sports Network will have the call on the radio side, with Brian Estridge and John Denton calling the action.