George Mason @ Texas Christian preview

TCU does not want to head into Big 12 play facing its first losing streak of the season. The Horned Frogs can avoid that fate Monday if they can defeat visiting George Mason when the teams wrap up non-conference play.

In their last game, the Horned Frogs fell to Xavier 67-59 as they shot only 32.8 percent from the floor and received only five bench points as their reserves combined to shoot 2-of-11 from the floor. Desmond Bane, the leading scorer for TCU at 15.9 points per game, did not make a field goal in the first half and finished just 5-of-16 on the day. "Desmond not getting going early, it puts some added pressure on some guys to think they have to make a play," TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. "We're relying on him as most teams are on their leading scorer. But that's going to happen. What we need to be is consistent defensively, consistent in taking care of the ball." George Mason has won 11 of its first 12 games and enters seeking a seventh straight victory.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN

ABOUT GEORGE MASON (11-1): The Patriots have allowed 66 points or fewer during every game of their current winning streak, most recently 53 points in a 16-point win over UMBC. Jordan Miller led the team with 17 points in that contest while Javon Greene notched 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Miller (13.5 points) and Greene (13.4) lead four double-digit scorers on the season for George Mason, a group that includes AJ Wilson (11.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.8 blocks).

ABOUT TCU (8-3): Bane has struggled with his shooting in two straight games, totaling 8-of-27 shooting (2-of-11 from 3-point range) in those two contests. Kevin Samuel helped pick up the slack against Xavier with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Bane also had a double-double despite his shooting struggles with 14 points and 10 boards. RJ Nembhard (12.4 points) is the second-leading scorer for TCU but is 2-of-22 from 3-point land over the last five games.

TIP-INS

1. Wilson has recorded at least three blocks in nine of the team's 11 games.

2. Samuel has three double-doubles in the last four games.

3. The Horned Frogs rank in the top 35 nationally in assists (17.0) and points allowed per game (61.3).

PREDICTION: George Mason 74, TCU 70