Texas falls to TCU in Fort Worth 58-57, drops to 9-6 (1-2) on the season

Well, it could go without saying that Texas falling 58-57 on the road to TCU is an absolutely horrible loss, especially with the rigorous portion of the conference slate still ahead. You could argue the Longhorns were doomed from before the tipoff, considering Texas failing to acknowledge Demarcus Holland's absence led to a TCU technical free throw before the game ever started. But while that single point ultimately was the difference between a win streak and Texas' third loss in four tries, the Longhorns quite simply didn't play very well from buzzer to buzzer, with the exceptions of a few isolated stretches.

To sum this not-so-good performance up in the most simple manner possible; for the second consecutive game, Isaiah Taylor and Javan Felix didn't get much help from their supporting cast. Just as in the K-State game, Taylor and Felix combined for more than half of the Longhorns' points (29 of Texas' 57), with the other three starters, Kendal Yancy,Prince Ibeh, and Connor Lammert, collectively contributing only 12 points on 5-14 shooting. Lammert had one point, shooting 0-7 from the field and 0-4 from deep.

Texas' three freshmen, Eric Davis Jr., Kerwin Roach Jr., and Tevin Mack, scored a combined eight points on 3-14 shooting, as well. And while Shaquille Cleare did a tremendous job fighting for low-post position and earning eight tough points, and Prince Ibeh had a few momentum changing dunks in the second half, foul trouble drastically limited their ability to matchup physically with TCU around the rim. Consequently, Chris Washburn has his way to the tune of 14 points and eight boards. Junior guard, Brandon Parrish, added 15 points of his own. Every Horned Frog scored tonight.

Essentially, this just seemed like a game TCU wanted more. Texas looked outhustled and out-executed for the majority of the night, and connecting on a horrid 3-21 (14.3%) from deep and watching numerous floaters and layups roll in and out didn't help much.

This loss will be a tough one to swallow. It knocks Texas to 9-6 on the season and 1-2 in conference play, which isn't the most comforting record with Texas most vital player sidelined with a fractured foot and Iowa State, West Virginia, and Kansas as three of the next four games. Not only do the Longhorns need a new identity in the worst way, but after the past few games, I'm sure Shaka Smart would be thrilled if anybody not named Isaiah or Javan could contribute meaningful minutes.

Texas Tidbits

• Demarcus Holland missed tonight's game due to the death of his grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
• Isaiah Taylor became the 36th Longhorn to crack the 1,000-point mark for his career tonight. His 1,004 now places him 35th all-time.
• Javan Felix continues to climb Texas' career scoring ladder. His 16 points now give him 1,061 as a Longhorns; good for 30th all-time.
• Tonight was the Longhorns' first lost to TCU since 1995. Not good.