TCU backs up its tough talk, bounces Buckeyes in 1st round

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- TCU wasn't short on confidence for Thursday's NCAA tournament opener against Ohio State, with forward David Punch setting the stage by saying he believed the Horned Frogs would beat the Buckeyes nine out of 10 times.

Xavier Edmonds said those words added pressure on the Frogs to back up the prediction.

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Despite Ohio State's raucous comeback from a 15-point halftime deficit, Punch and Edmonds delivered on the challenge.

Punch connected on a nifty pass to Edmonds in the paint with four seconds to go for a go-ahead layup, helping TCU advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 66-64 victory.

TCU was dominant from beyond the arc in the first half, but a brutal shooting performance after the break allowed the Buckeyes to claw back into the game, taking a 51-50 lead with just over seven minutes to play.

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With Edmonds in foul trouble, Punch put the Frogs on his back late, finishing the game with 16 points, 13 boards and a pair of assists, including the go-ahead dish to Edmonds.

Ohio State had one final shot at the win, but Bruce Thornton couldn't find an open man near the basket and settled for a half-court heave that fell short.

The win confirmed Punch's boast and sent a message to Ohio State as TCU advanced to the second round.

Edmonds, who finished with 16 points and eight boards, said the Buckeyes had not faced a defense like theirs and emphasized the Big 12's physicality and intensity, saying they would show Ohio State what Big 12 basketball is about.