Texas Christian @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 4, 2017 ) Texas 63, Texas Christian 78

No. 16 TCU and host Texas are searching for the same thing when they meet Wednesday - better execution down the stretch in Big 12 Conference play. The Horned Frogs' league losses to ranked Oklahoma and Kansas teams are by a combined five points - and TCU coach Jamie Dixon blames his squad's defense.

"Our defense is not where we need to be," Dixon told reporters after an 88-84 loss to Kansas on Saturday. "We continue to bail people out and get them to the free-throw line." League opponents are averaging 29.3 free-throw attempts against the Horned Frogs - 13 more than they allowed during non-conference play. The Longhorns - who lost both meetings to TCU last year - struggled down the stretch in losses to Kansas and Baylor. Texas freshman Mohamed Bamba continues to lead the league in blocks, forcing opponents to shoot from the 3-point line rather than challenge him in the paint.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT TCU (13-2, 1-2 Big 12): Senior guard Kenrich Williams (14.6 points, 9.4 rebounds) leads five Horned Frogs scoring in double figures and has seven double-doubles this season. Vladimir Brodziansky adds 14.1 points on 61.5 percent shooting for the Horned Frogs, who are averaging 9.8 turnovers during their last five games. The high-scoring Horned Frogs are allowing 75.1 points as opponents shoot 44.9 percent from the floor - putting TCU last in the conference in field-goal defense.

ABOUT TEXAS (10-5, 1-2): Bamba (15.7 points in league play) averages 11.9 points overall and a league-best 10.6 rebounds to go along with his 4.6 blocks. Dylan Osetkowski leads the team in scoring (15.0) and Kerwin Roach adds 10.1 per game while freshman guard Jase Febres (3.3 points) had a career-high 18 points against Baylor in his first start. The Longhorns continue to play without sophomore guard Andrew Jones (13.5 points), who is out with an unidentified illness.

TIP-INS

1. Jones missed four games with a wrist injury and played 20 minutes in the first two league games before missing the Baylor contest Saturday.

2. TCU ranks second in the Big 12 in 3-point shooting at 40.3 percent.

3. Texas leads the series 8-3 as conference foes.

PREDICTION: TCU 80, Texas 72