FORT WORTH, Texas — In a thrilling match on Monday night, the TCU Horned Frogs secured a 58-49 victory over South Alabama, led by sophomore Vasean Allette, who scored 12 of his total 14 points in the second half during his first start for the team. Allette showed promise by hitting 4 of 9 shots from the field, including one 3-pointer, and converting 5 of 6 attempts from the free-throw line. His starting position became crucial after the team suffered a significant loss with point guard Frankie Collins sidelined for the rest of the season due to a broken foot sustained in their recent game against Vanderbilt.
In addition to Allette’s performance, Trazarien White contributed 13 points while Ernest Udeh Jr. delivered a strong showing with 10 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season. The Jaguars were led by Barry Dunning Jr., who scored 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep their three-game winning streak alive against a determined TCU squad. This defeat was particularly tough as it marked their second loss in four road games, putting their season record at 7-4.
The game had a competitive first half, with South Alabama taking an early two-possession lead at 10-6. However, TCU did not manage a two-possession advantage until Udeh scored consecutive baskets, putting the Horned Frogs ahead 30-25 with just over a minute left in the half. South Alabama’s Elijah Ormiston quickly narrowed the deficit with a 3-pointer, ending the first half with TCU leading by a mere two points.
The second half remained tightly contested, with no team able to pull away early on. After a stretch where South Alabama missed five consecutive shots, Allette seized the opportunity to lead a 7-0 run with two free throws and a 3-pointer, extending TCU’s lead to 48-42 with 8:15 left in the game, a lead that they maintained until the final whistle. Throughout the match, the teams exchanged the lead a total of 12 times, with eight ties, showcasing an evenly matched contest until TCU found their stride in the closing minutes.
Looking ahead, TCU is set to face Montana State at home on Sunday, while South Alabama will return to their home court to face James Madison this Saturday.
