Game Overview
On Thursday night, No. 12 TCU secured a narrow victory over Kansas, finishing 79-77, in a game characterized by fluctuating momentum and key player performances.
Key Player Performances
Olivia Miles was a standout for the Horned Frogs, contributing significantly with 20 points and six assists. Equally important was Donovyn Hunter, who added 15 points to help propel the team to its win.
Despite early control of the game, TCU faced challenges as Clara Silva and Marta Suarez fouled out within a span of just 32 seconds late in the fourth quarter, forcing the team to adapt quickly. Silva ended the night with nine points while Suarez managed to collect 13 points and eight rebounds before her exit.
Kansas’ Struggles
Kansas, known for its sharpshooting capabilities, especially from beyond the arc, struggled against TCU’s defense, hitting only two of their twelve 3-point attempts—marking a season low. Despite this, Jaliya Davis shone brightly for the Jayhawks, scoring an impressive 29 points, marking her ninth 20-point game this season. The 6-foot-3 freshman made 11 of her 19 shots from the field and converted 7 out of 8 from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, S’Mya Nichols added 24 points, further fueling their scoring efforts.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
As the fourth quarter progressed, Kansas managed to close the gap, with Davis scoring seven of the nine points the team tallied early in the period, bringing the score within 67-65 with just under four minutes remaining. However, Miles responded decisively with a three-point play, and a subsequent three-pointer by Clara Bielefeld extended TCU’s lead to six points. In the final moments, Miles solidified the Frogs’ advantage with a jump shot, setting the stage for a tense conclusion before Veronica Sheffey’s free throw capped the game at 78-74 with nine seconds to go.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks will prepare to host Colorado on Sunday while TCU will face a challenging match against No. 21 Texas Tech on the same day, as both teams look to bolster their standings in the Big 12.
