TCU vs Hawaii Odds
| TCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 147.5 -115o / -105u | -300 |
| Hawaii Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 147.5 -115o / -105u | +240 |
There's no better way to spend your Christmas Eve than watching Hawaii play TCU. The Rainbow Warriors will face the Horned Frogs from the Big 12 in the third place game of the Diamond Head Classic.
TCU Horned Frogs
If TCU scores 1.12 points per possession, that's a game it typically wins. The unfortunate part for the Frogs is Nevada rattled off 1.33 points per possession while facing the typically stout Horned Frogs defense.
The defense just looked disjointed early on. Plus, head coach Jamie Dixon getting booted from the game in the first half made matters worse.
Although TCU struggled, Emanuel Miller still scored 24 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the floor. Miller is the type of player who can completely shift the game in TCU's direction. Miller's quickness and strength combination could expose Hawaii's defense, so the 'Bows should consider doubling him in the post and forcing others to hit shots.
Additionally, TCU isn't a 3-point shooting team, as it attempts 3s on fewer than 30% of its field goals. TCU wants to get the ball inside and attack the rim — and if the shot doesn't go in, it attacks the offensive glass.
That's where most of TCU's advantages come in general, as it grabs offensive boards on 37% of its misses. Sometimes the best shot isn't the first shot; it's the second shot while the defensive scrambles.
That results from playing JaKobe Coles at the four and Ernest Udeh Jr./Essam Mostafa at the five. Most teams can't match the interior size of TCU, so it's a major advantage.
Plus, Hawaii couldn't slow the lengthy Kenan Blackshear (Nevada) down. That's why Micah Peavy's skilled playmaking ability could cause an issue against Hawaii's guards.
Peavy often initiates the offense, but he's not a huge scoring threat. That's why either Jameer Nelson Jr. or Avery Anderson III must improve as perimeter scorers. In 2023, you have to make some perimeter shots, and both of TCU's go-to guards shoot below 25% from deep.
Another option for Coach Dixon is playing Chuck O'Bannon Jr. or Trevian Tennyson more. Both provide experience while shooting over 40% from downtown.
Hawaii Warriors
Hawaii started the game off slow against Georgia Tech, hitting a lengthy eight-minute first-half scoring drought. The Rainbow Warriors erased a 20-point lead to tighten the game, but the Yellow Jackets prevailed.
I wouldn't go as far as saying Hawaii lives and dies by 3s, but it's just an easier victory path if Hawaii connects on perimeter jumpers. The 'Bows went 6-of-26 from deep in Friday's loss and remained competitive.
Guards Noel Coleman and Jovon McClanahan form one of the best guard duos in mid-major basketball. Coleman scored zero points and went 0-of-6 from the field against Georgia Tech, while McClanahan scored 19. Ideally, both get rolling together.
Hawaii holds the backcourt advantage over TCU.
Coach Eran Ganot loves feeding his physical big man Bernardo da Silva. He's averaging 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds, including dropping 19 points against Georgia Tech. He's a perfect safety outlet for the 'Bows to rely on when the guards penetrate and drop the ball off.
The biggest issue for da Silva is staying out of foul trouble — a problem that also plagues backup center Mor Seck.
TCU vs. Hawaii
Betting Pick & Prediction
I absolutely love TCU's style of play in this spot against Hawaii. Look at how Nevada — a team whose style is somewhat similar — attacked Hawaii.
Nevada and TCU both have plenty of height and can slow down Hawaii's perimeter shooting prowess.
Pick: TCU -5
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