Santa Clara dominates TCU with a second-half surge

On November 28, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, Santa Clara University faced off against Texas Christian University (TCU) during the Acrisure Invitational tournament. The game began with both teams exchanging leads, but the Broncos managed to take the lead into halftime, going up 34-27. Carlos Stewart Jr. and Elijah Mahi contributed significantly to this lead, combining for 25 points in the first half. The Horned Frogs, trailing by a small margin, started the second half with a burst of energy, tying the game at 36. However, a momentum shift occurred as Santa Clara executed a strong 10-point run, taking control of the game. As the game progressed, Santa Clara continued their dominance, culminating in a staggering 24-3 run that solidified their victory. Stewart's performance, scoring 18 points in total with an impressive shooting percentage, was a highlight of the night. Santa Clara's shooting from the three-point range was notable, landing 8 of 26 attempts compared to TCU's 1 of 17. The Horned Frogs struggled during this crucial stretch, including a difficult period where they managed only one field goal. TCU also faced challenges from the free-throw line, converting only 7 of their 16 attempts. In the final moments, Santa Clara maintained a substantial lead, winning decisively by a score of 69-52. This victory marked an important turnaround for the Broncos, improving their record to 3-4, while TCU's record fell to 4-2. The win showcased not only the scoring prowess of Stewart and Mahi but also the team's ability to perform under pressure, emphasizing their potential for the remainder of the season. As part of a two-day tournament, this game highlighted both teams' efforts but ultimately underscored Santa Clara's ability to execute their game plan effectively, leaving TCU to reflect on their performance as they prepare for future encounters.