Tanner Toolson poured in 25 points in 18 minutes, Micah Robinson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and TCU cruised to a 104-63 victory over Saint Francis on Thursday night at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
TCU (1-1) rebounded after falling to New Orleans on Monday, marking the first season-opening loss in Jamie Dixon’s 10 seasons. The Frogs responded by shooting 52.3% from the field with six players finishing in double figures. They also dominated on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 48-22.
Saint Francis (0-2) lost both of its games on a road trip that started with a 102-66 loss to Oklahoma on Monday. The Red Flash were led by Skylar Wicks’ 18 points and Cameron Tweedy’s 14 points on Thursday. Saint Francis shot 39.7% from the field.
The Frogs started to take control midway through the first half with a 7-0 run, grabbing a 31-18 lead with just over seven minutes left. Then, they ran away.
Toolson, a Utah Valley transfer, knocked down three 3s in the final 5:27 of the first half as TCU built a 53-29 lead at the break. Toolson led all first-half scorers with 15 points in 10 minutes.
Toolson knocked down another 3-pointer early in the second half, although the signature play came later with an alley-oop dunk by David Punch with an assist from Kayden Edwards. Punch’s two-handed slam extended TCU’s lead to 85-40 going into a media timeout at the 7:37 mark.
TCU reached the 100-point mark on a 3-pointer by RJ Jones to take a 102-55 lead with 2:19 left.
For the Frogs, it was a bright spot to end a disappointing week. Along with the loss to New Orleans, center Malick Diallo sustained a season-ending injury with a torn ACL in his left knee.
Next up for TCU is a home game against Lamar on Monday. Saint Francis will play its home opener against Mount St. Mary’s on Tuesday.
