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From Open Tryouts to Top 10: TCU Women's Basketball Makes a Stunning Comeback

share-iconThursday, January 16 comment-icon6 days ago 8 views
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From Open Tryouts to Top 10: TCU Women's Basketball Makes a Stunning Comeback

Credited from: APNEWS

  • TCU women's basketball celebrated its ninth consecutive victory against UCF, winning 90-81.
  • Sedona Prince scored 27 points while Hailey Van Lith made an impressive debut with 20 points.
  • The team experienced significant challenges last year, including game forfeits and open tryouts.
  • Mark Campbell, TCU's second-year coach, expressed pride in the team's remarkable turnaround.
  • The Frogs aim to maintain their success as they face ranked opponents in upcoming games.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — In a thrilling showcase of talent, the 10th-ranked TCU women's basketball team extended their winning streak to nine games with a 90-81 victory over UCF on Tuesday night. Star player Sedona Prince led the charge with 27 points, while guard Hailey Van Lith, in her debut for TCU, matched her career high with six 3-pointers, contributing 20 points and seven assists to the game. The Horned Frogs (18-1, 6-0 Big 12) started the match with a dominant 30-point first quarter and maintained control throughout, with Madison Conner also chipping in 14 points and seven assists.

This latest victory for TCU comes after a challenging previous season, where the team had to forfeit two games and hold open tryouts due to a lack of healthy players. Coach Mark Campbell noted the significant evolution of the program over the past year, saying, “Gone from the ‘Underfrogs’ and holding open tryouts to this week being ranked in the top 10 ... it’s been a very magical ride" (AP News). The team's resilience has shone through as they transitioned from having just six healthy scholarship players to being a formidable contender in the Big 12.

Last January, circumstances forced TCU to forge a new path, leading to 40 students trying out for the team amid numerous injuries to key players, including Prince and Conner. Campbell recalled that the game against UCF a year ago was pivotal for the team's emotional and competitive foundation. "[...] Today was a really special game for our program, for the people that were a part of that game a year ago," he highlighted when discussing their recent victory (AP News).

The Frogs capitalized on strong team play, recording an impressive 29 assists on 32 made field goals and setting a record with 15 three-pointers in a single game against UCF. With their eyes set on the NCAA Tournament, TCU is also emerging as a contender to watch, utilizing the lessons learned during past struggles.

As TCU progresses, upcoming challenges include facing three ranked opponents in their next five games, starting with a marquee matchup against No. 23 Utah on Friday evening. The Horned Frogs aim to build momentum and possibly secure their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010, after a heartbreaking loss to South Carolina earlier in December.

For more on TCU's remarkable journey from forfeits to success, visit AP News and AP News.

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