KANSAS CITY, MO - RJ Nembhard led TCU (3-0) in the 56-52 victory over Liberty (2-2) in the championship at the Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday night.
The game started off slow as both teams were not shooting well. TCU shot under 36 percent in the first 14 minutes of the game. There was not a lot of scoring happening. Both teams were not looking good offensively.
TCU had a comfortable lead at the end of the first half until Liberty made three of the last four shots to trim TCU’s lead down to 27-26 going into the locker room.
The battle continued in the second half. Liberty came out and took their first lead of the game going up 33-32 on the Horned Frogs. TCU then responded and went on a 13-3 run bringing their lead back up by nine. With two minutes remaining in regulation, the Flames went on a 7-0 run bringing them within two points 54-52. TCU’s defense tightened up and made crutual plays with under a minute left in play. A loose ball resulted in a foul and Nembhard's two free throws sealed the win for TCU.
Nembhard was the leading scorer for TCU with 14 points and 6 rebounds on the night. He was lights out at the line shooting 8-9. The Horned Frogs ability to make free throws down the stretch helped them clinch this win. TCU shot 75 percent from the line.
These are all the key players that contributed to tonight's win. Francisco Farabello, Taryn Todd, and Kevin Samual had 24 combined points.
Kevin Samuel was named MVP of the tournament due to his phenomenal performance in the semi-finals against Tulsa. He tied his career high 18 rebounds and 16 points.
The undefeated Horned Frogs are 3-0 on the season going into their game vs Northwestern State on Thursday night. TCU will play at 7 p.m. CST.
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