In a historic matchup, 10th-ranked TCU secured its first Big 12 regular-season title by defeating No. 17 Baylor 51-48 in a thrilling showdown. Sedona Prince led the way for the Horned Frogs with an impressive performance, tallying 16 points and a remarkable 19 rebounds.
Hailey Van Lith also made significant contributions, adding 14 points to TCU's winning effort. Under the guidance of second-year coach Mark Campbell, the Horned Frogs concluded their best regular season ever, finishing with a record of 28-3 overall and 16-2 in the Big 12 conference.
Despite a valiant effort from Baylor, led by Aaronette Vonleh's 17 points and 10 rebounds, the Bears fell short in their quest for victory. Yaya Fielder also chipped in with 17 points, but Baylor's nine-game winning streak came to an end with their lowest-scoring game of the season.
TCU's triumph marked a significant turnaround for the program, which had struggled in previous Big 12 seasons before Campbell's arrival. The victory over Baylor not only secured the conference title but also completed a regular-season sweep of their in-state rival.
Looking ahead, both TCU and Baylor have secured double-byes in the upcoming women's Big 12 tournament in Kansas City. The quarterfinal round on Friday will see these two powerhouse teams in action as they continue their pursuit of postseason success.
Key Takeaways
TCU: The Horned Frogs' remarkable improvement this season, winning nine more conference games than the previous year, stands as one of the most significant turnarounds in Big 12 history.
Baylor: Despite the loss, Sarah Andrews set a Big 12 record by playing in her 164th game, showcasing her longevity and impact on the Bears' program.
Key Moments and Stats
A crucial moment in the game came when Van Lith made key free throws late in the contest to secure TCU's lead. Baylor's shooting struggles, with a field goal percentage of 27.7%, proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome.
With this historic victory, TCU has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 conference, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
