TCU, Utah aiming to break skids in Big 12 battle

Not all losing streaks are created equal, as a comparison between Utah and TCU would attest.

Utah hasn't won since Dec. 20, with a five-game losing streak that includes each of its first four Big 12 Conference games, which have been mostly uncompetitive. TCU's three consecutive losses have been more frustrating, leading coach Jamie Dixon to say, "Woulda, coulda, shoulda."

One of these teams will rediscover the win column when the Horned Frogs face the Utes on Saturday in Salt Lake City.

TCU (11-6, 1-3 Big 12) has squandered chances against three straight nationally ranked opponents -- Kansas, Arizona and BYU. The Horned Frogs held second-half leads at the Jayhawks and Cougars before losing by four (in overtime) and six, respectively.

"Woulda, coulda, shoulda," Dixon said after BYU rallied for a 76-70 victory over TCU Wednesday. "Forget what it is. We're up six at halftime, should've been 10, and we didn't execute down the (stretch)."

However, Dixon was encouraged by the fact that the Horned Frogs have shown some teeth against upper-crust opponents.

"Every game we've been in," he said. "So we're good, but we've got to play better against good teams like this and can't get in foul trouble."

Dixon also harped on TCU getting outrebounded by 15 in the game. Fortunately for the Horned Frogs, the Utes have the worst rebound margin of any Big 12 squad at minus-2.1 per game.

Rebounding isn't Utah's only weakness. The Utes (8-9, 0-4) rank last in the Big 12 in scoring defense, giving up 81.1 points per outing. They entered Friday 199th in KenPom.com's adjusted defensive efficiency ratings.

"Our focus is we've gotta defend and have more assists than turnovers, and I think we'll give ourselves a better chance," coach Alex Jensen said Wednesday after Utah fell 88-74 at No. 15 Texas Tech.

Jensen realizes it's the first battle through the Big 12 for himself and many of his players.

Terrence Brown, who transferred from Fairleigh Dickinson, is Utah's leader in scoring (21.4 points per game), assists (4.1) and steals (1.7). Don McHenry, a Western Kentucky transfer, adds 18.6 ppg and shoots 41.3% from 3-point distance.

"It's my first time in the Big 12 and (for) a lot of guys at this level," Jensen said. "Like, these are tough, tough road games with full houses. I thought we did pretty good (at Texas Tech) considering."

David Punch leads TCU in scoring (13.7) and rebounding (7.8). Three other Horned Frogs average at least 10 points per contest.