In an electrifying matchup, the Baylor Bears narrowly edged out the TCU Horned Frogs with a 61-58 victory on January 3, 2026. The game, which took place at TCU's home court, was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and tenacity.
The first half saw the Bears jump out to an early nine-point lead, but the Horned Frogs fought back fiercely, tying the game at 35-35 by halftime. This intense back-and-forth set the stage for a dramatic second half, where both teams battled for every point.
Key players for the Bears included Norchad Omier, who put up an impressive double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Robert Wright III, who delivered two clutch free throws with just 2.2 seconds left on the clock. These critical plays secured the win for Baylor.
TCU, on the other hand, was led by Noah Reynolds, who scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half. Despite Reynolds' efforts, the Horned Frogs struggled in the second half, shooting just 36% from the field. Baylor's defense was relentless, forcing 13 turnovers and holding TCU to a mere 36% shooting in the decisive period .
This win is a significant milestone for the Bears, continuing their dominance in the Big 12 conference. The rivalry between Baylor and TCU has historically favored the road team, with the last five matchups won by the visiting squad. This trend has been maintained, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of this intense rivalry.
With this victory, Baylor's record stands at 11-6, 3-3 in the Big 12, while TCU falls to 10-7, 3-3. The game was a testament to the grit and determination of both teams, showcasing the depth of talent and the fierce competition within the conference.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to maintain this level of intensity and skill as they continue their respective seasons. For Baylor, the focus will be on building on this momentum and securing their position at the top of the Big 12 standings. For TCU, the challenge will be to bounce back from this close loss and regain their form in upcoming games. The future looks promising, especially with the level of competition and talent on display in these high-stakes matchups.
