FORT WORTH, Texas (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and crucial late-game execution, Texas Christian edged Oklahoma State 68-65 in a Big 12 Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Dickies Arena.

The Horned Frogs, who improved to 12-7 overall, overcame a four-point halftime deficit by clamping down on the Cowboys’ offense in the second half and riding the standout performance of forward David Punch. Oklahoma State, which fell to 14-5, saw a promising start evaporate as its offense stalled after the break, scoring just 24 points.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the final minute with the score tied at 65. After Oklahoma State’s Kanye Clary missed a stepback jumper with 36 seconds remaining, TCU secured the rebound and called timeout. Out of the break, Lithuanian wing Liutauras Lelevicius found a cutting David Punch for a layup with eight seconds left, putting the Horned Frogs ahead 67-65.

Oklahoma State’s ensuing attempt to tie or take the lead ended in frustration. Vyctorius Miller’s rushed three-point attempt from the wing missed, and although Isaiah Coleman grabbed the offensive rebound, his hurried tip-in attempt rolled off the rim. TCU’s Punch secured the defensive board and was immediately fouled with less than a second remaining. He made the first free throw to create the final margin and intentionally missed the second, leaving no time for a final Cowboys’ heave.

The contest was a tale of two halves. Oklahoma State built its 41-37 halftime lead behind efficient early shooting and active hands on defense, forcing nine first-half turnovers. Anthony Roy and Isaiah Coleman provided scoring punch, combining for 19 points before intermission.

TCU’s adjustment after halftime was immediate and effective. The Horned Frogs opened the second period on an 8-0 run, fueled by a Punch hook shot and a Brock Harding three-pointer, to seize a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game. Oklahoma State went scoreless for the first three and a half minutes of the half, a drought that set the tone for their offensive struggles.

Punch, a 6-foot-7 forward from Harker Heights, Texas, was the game’s dominant force, finishing with a game-high 22 points. He was instrumental on both ends, adding three blocks and key defensive rebounds. His frontcourt partner, Xavier Edmonds, provided crucial support with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, anchoring TCU’s interior defense that recorded seven total blocks.

Oklahoma State’s offense, which had been fluid in the first half, became disjointed. The Cowboys shot just 27 of 62 from the field for the game and a crippling 5 of 10 from the free throw line. Their 13 assists were offset by 13 turnovers. Clary led the team with 11 points and six assists, but shot 5 of 14 from the field. Roy finished with 13 points, while Coleman added 14.

Statistically, the game was a mirror image in many categories, with each team having 73 possessions. TCU’s slight efficiency edge, an offensive rating of 93.5 to Oklahoma State’s 89.3, proved the difference. Both teams shot identically from three-point range, making six, but TCU’s defense forced Oklahoma State into tougher shots as the game progressed.

The Horned Frogs also won the battle of backcourt playmakers. While Clary had more assists for Oklahoma State, TCU’s Brock Harding managed the game effectively down the stretch, dishing out nine assists, and Jayden Pierre contributed eight points and four assists.

The loss snapped a brief one-game winning streak for Oklahoma State, which had defeated Kansas State in its previous outing. TCU halted a two-game skid with the victory.

A crowd of 4,942 watched the tense conference matchup, which fell well below the pre-game over/under line of 162.5 points, underscoring the defensive nature of the contest.

Oklahoma State looks to rebound at home against Iowa State on Saturday. Texas Christian travels to face Baylor, also on Saturday. The two teams will meet again in Stillwater on Feb. 14.