TCU pulls upset, defeats No. 19 LSU in Big 12/SEC Challenge

TCU welcomed LSU to Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena for the opening game of the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Of course, the day was started with a bang — the Horned Frogs sending the No. 19 Tigers back to the Bayou with a loss by a score of 77-68.

With the victory, CBS Sports college hoops reporter Seth Davis believes TCU is in the hunt for March.

“Sneaky good TCU is about to beat LSU at home,” tweeted Davis. “That will put the Frogs above .500 in the Big 12 and very much in the hunt for an NCAA bid.”

Leading the way was guard Mike Miles, putting 19 points on LSU to go with eight rebounds. Additionally, TCU forward Chuck O’Bannon Jr. and Damion Baugh helped down the stretch, scoring 19 and 12 points respectively.

On the other hand, LSU played their hearts out — four of their five starters scored in double-figures. Forward Tari Eason scored 16 points, while forward Darius Days (14 points), guard Brandon Murray (10 points) and guard Eric Gaines (14 points) followed suit.

LSU was attempting to rebuild their resume after some tough SEC losses, but TCU had other ideas. After a blowout loss to Texas quelled their momentum, the Horned Frogs came back and found victory over the Tigers.

More on TCU over LSU, Big 12/SEC Challenge

TCU defeating LSU was just a taste of what to expect from the Big 12/SEC Challenge. While the Horned Frogs pulled the upset, there’s still a bevy of wild showdowns to come on Saturday.

Arguably the best matchup of the day, the game features two highly-ranked squads. Saturday evening, the Wildcats are on the road against the Jayhawks in a rematch of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game. On that day, John Calipari out-coached Bill Self on the way to his lone championship.

Additionally, the No. 1 team in the country will attempt to remain so in the Big 12/SEC Challenge, as No. 1 Auburn welcomes Oklahoma to town. Freshly off agreeing to a huge extension, Tigers coach Bruce Pearl will look for a victory over the Sooners.

Moreover, No. 4 Baylor travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama. As the Crimson Tide look to right the ship, a win over the Bears would go a long way for Nate Oats and company.

Finally, the nightcap features a homecoming — Tennessee coach Rick Barnes returns to Texas, where he spent 17 seasons coaching the Longhorns. Barnes took the program to new heights, but will now be looking to defeat the program he once loved.