Ohio State Edges TCU 71-69 in King Classic Opener

In a thrilling matchup at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes edged out the No. 9 TCU Horned Frogs 71-69 on Monday, January 19, 2026, during the first game of the Coretta Scott King Classic doubleheader. The nationally televised contest on FOX tipped off at noon ET on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, drawing attention for its high stakes between two top-15 teams vying for momentum in the nonconference slate.

TCU, seeking a signature victory to bolster its NCAA Tournament resume, controlled much of the early action. The Horned Frogs built a 10-point lead with 4:25 left in the second quarter and held a seven-point edge with 15 seconds remaining in the half, entering halftime ahead 36-33. However, Ohio State mounted a comeback, outscoring TCU 13-10 in the third quarter to trail by just two entering the fourth. The Buckeyes seized their first lead at 52-49 with 9:04 left, setting the stage for a tense finish.

The game featured multiple lead changes in the closing minutes. TCU regained a 66-65 advantage with 1:25 remaining after Olivia Miles converted two free throws following an Ohio State illegal screen call. The Buckeyes responded with two free...