FORT WORTH, Texas (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by sloppy ball-handling and missed opportunities, the Michigan Wolverines escaped Dickies Arena with a narrow 67-63 victory over the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday night.

The contest, played before a crowd of 6,426, was far from an artistic success. Michigan improved to 3-0 on the young season, while TCU evened its record at 2-2.

The game’s outcome was ultimately decided by Michigan’s dominance on the glass and TCU’s inability to capitalize on a torrent of Wolverine turnovers. Michigan committed 21 turnovers, which the Horned Frogs converted into 17 points. However, TCU’s own offensive inefficiency, coupled with Michigan’s overwhelming rebounding advantage, proved too much to overcome.

The Wolverines hauled in 14 offensive rebounds, doubling TCU’s total of seven, which led to a series of critical second-chance points, particularly in the game’s final minutes. Michigan also outscored TCU 36-26 in the paint, a testament to their interior presence.

Yaxel Lendeborg was the linchpin for Michigan, posting a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while also contributing four assists and three blocks in 29 minutes. His frontcourt partner, Morez Johnson, was equally impactful, recording a double-double of his own with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair that saw TCU take a 35-33 lead into the break, fueled by a fast-paced transition game that netted them 21 fast-break points for the game. The Horned Frogs’ pressure defense also forced 12 first-half turnovers.

Michigan’s offense, however, ground to a halt for long stretches. The team managed just five assists against its 21 turnovers, while TCU dished out 11 assists. The Wolverines’ saving grace was their work on the boards and their efficiency at the free-throw line, where they shot 16 for 20. TCU, by contrast, made 10 of 15 from the stripe.

Brock Harding led the Horned Frogs with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Micah Robinson added 12 points for TCU, which shot just 23 of 62 from the field for a 37.1 percent clip. Michigan was not much better, finishing at 43.4 percent on 23-of-53 shooting.

The second half became a war of attrition. Michigan slowly chipped away at the deficit, finally seizing control in the final five minutes. A key sequence saw Trey McKenney connect on a 3-pointer and Yaxel Lendeborg convert a pair of crucial free throws down the stretch to extend the lead.

TCU had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minute, but a turnover by Tanner Toolson with 18 seconds left was stolen by Michigan’s Nimari Burnett, who was subsequently fouled. Burnett sank both free throws to push the Michigan lead to four points, effectively sealing the game.

The final score fell well below the pregame over/under line of 155.5, reflecting the defensive and often disjointed nature of the contest. Michigan, which was a 6.5-point favorite according to pregame betting lines, now looks ahead to a home game against Middle Tennessee on Wednesday. TCU will also return to action Wednesday, hosting Missouri-Kansas City.