Behind Tanner Toolson’s 25 points, TCU cruises past Saint Francis

Tanner Toolson poured in 25 points in 18 minutes, Micah Robinson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and TCU cruised to a 104-63 victory over Saint Francis on Thursday night at Schollma

Behind Tanner Toolson’s 25 points, TCU cruises past Saint Francis

Tanner Toolson poured in 25 points in 18 minutes, Micah Robinson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and TCU cruised to a 104-63 victory over Saint Francis on Thursday night at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

TCU (1-1) rebounded after falling to New Orleans on Monday, marking the first season-opening loss in Jamie Dixon’s 10 seasons. The Frogs responded by shooting 52.3% from the field with six players finishing in double figures. They also dominated on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 48-22.

Saint Francis (0-2) lost both of its games on a road trip that started with a 102-66 loss to Oklahoma on Monday. The Red Flash were led by Skylar Wicks’ 18 points and Cameron Tweedy’s 14 points on Thursday. Saint Francis shot 39.7% from the field.

The Frogs started to take control midway through the first half with a 7-0 run, grabbing a 31-18 lead with just over seven minutes left. Then, they ran away.

Toolson, a Utah Valley transfer, knocked down three 3s in the final 5:27 of the first half as TCU built a 53-29 lead at the break. Toolson led all first-half scorers with 15 points in 10 minutes.

Toolson knocked down another 3-pointer early in the second half, although the signature play came later with an alley-oop dunk by David Punch with an assist from Kayden Edwards. Punch’s two-handed slam extended TCU’s lead to 85-40 going into a media timeout at the 7:37 mark.

TCU reached the 100-point mark on a 3-pointer by RJ Jones to take a 102-55 lead with 2:19 left.

For the Frogs, it was a bright spot to end a disappointing week. Along with the loss to New Orleans, center Malick Diallo sustained a season-ending injury with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Next up for TCU is a home game against Lamar on Monday. Saint Francis will play its home opener against Mount St. Mary’s on Tuesday.