TCU's bold pregame confidence translated into a dramatic 66-64 victory over Ohio State in the NCAA tournament first round. The ninth-seeded Horned Frogs, led by forward David Punch's prediction they'd win 'nine out of 10 times,' held off a furious Buckeyes comeback to advance.

Punch delivered with 16 points and 13 rebounds, including a crucial assist to Xavier Edmonds for the go-ahead layup with four seconds remaining. TCU dominated from beyond the arc in the first half, building a 15-point halftime lead before Ohio State mounted a comeback. The Buckeyes took a brief 51-50 lead with seven minutes left.

Edmonds, who finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, emphasized TCU's physical Big 12 style overwhelmed the Big Ten opponents. Ohio State's final desperation heave fell short as Bruce Thornton couldn't find an open man. The victory validated TCU's pregame bravado and sets up a second-round matchup for the Horned Frogs.