Lions tripped up against TCU, 77-42

FORT WORTH — In the final non-conference game of the season, the Texas A&M University- Commerce men's basketball team suffered a 77-42 defeat to TCU on Monday at Schollmaier Arena.

The Lions and the Horned Frogs met in the regular season for the first time since Dec. 1, 1983. TCU closes out its non-conference schedule with a record of 11-2 and is receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches poll. The Lions end their non-conference portion of the schedule at 6-7, which are the most non-conference wins in the Division I era.

TCU scored the first six points of the game and led 13-2 through the first four minutes of the game. TCU started the game shooting 67 percent from the field, while the Lions shot 1 for 8.

The Lions went on a run of making four shots in a row, but the Horned Frogs shot 5 for 6 during that stretch and increased the Horned Frogs' lead to 17 points, which was the largest lead of the first half up to that point.

In the final four minutes of the game, the Lions went on a 14-2 run, while forcing five turnovers during a five-minute stretch. TCU ended the game making one of its last eight field goal attempts.

The Lions were held to just two three-pointers in the game, and both came from Khaliq Abdul- Mateen in the second half. Zondrick Garrett led the team with 10 points off the bench, he shot 5 for 8 from the field and led the team with five rebounds as well.

Kalen Williams, Tommie Lewis, and Abdul-Mateen scored six points each. Williams dished out four assists, which led the team.

For the Horned Frogs, Ernest Udeh Jr. scored 13 points and 18 rebounds for a double-double in 19 minutes. TCU out rebounded A&M-Commerce, 55-29, and had the 34-8 edge in fast break points.

The Lions begin Southland Conference play this week, hosting McNeese on Saturday at 1 p.m. and playing at New Orleans next Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for Saturday's game in the Field House can be purchased at Lion-Athletics.com/Tickets.