TCU Women’s Basketball Sends a Message in Big 12 Opener with Dominant Win Over Kansas State
If TCU was looking to make a statement in its Big 12 title defense, consider it delivered - loud and clear. The No. 9 Horned Frogs opened conference play with a commanding 77-55 win over Kansas State on Saturday, showcasing the kind of balance, depth, and cohesion that makes them a legitimate threat to repeat.
Let’s start with the numbers: 51% shooting from the field, 38% from beyond the arc, and a 43-30 advantage on the glass. But this wasn’t just about stats - it was about how TCU imposed its will, especially after a tight first quarter. With a starting five that blends experience and transfer talent, the Horned Frogs overwhelmed a Kansas State squad still finding its identity.
Third Quarter Surge Seals It
The turning point came in the third quarter. TCU came out of the locker room with purpose, outscoring the Wildcats 20-11 and essentially putting the game on ice. That’s become a bit of a trademark for this group - they don’t take their foot off the gas.
“Really good ball clubs come out at halftime, and they don’t have a letdown,” head coach Mark Campbell said. “Our group has been really consistent at that all year.”
That consistency is what separates contenders from pretenders. And right now, TCU is firmly in the former category.
Olivia Miles: The Engine That Drives It All
Olivia Miles has found a perfect fit in Fort Worth. The dynamic guard transferred in after watching how well Campbell’s system suited Hailey Van Lith last season. Now, it’s Miles who’s thriving in the screen-and-roll-heavy offense - and she’s making it look easy.
Coming off three straight triple-doubles, Miles nearly made it four. She dropped 29 points, grabbed eight boards, and dished out four assists. Kansas State tried to slow her down with switches on ball screens, but that just gave her more opportunities to attack mismatches.
“They switched the pick and roll, and she got to play one-on-one a lot [against forwards], and she did a heck of a job attacking the basket,” Campbell said.
And here’s the kicker - even when teams try to turn her into a passer, TCU has the shooters and scorers to make opponents pay.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Marta Suarez is another transfer who’s blossoming in this system. The off-ball forward has seen her scoring jump by six points per game from last season, and she poured in 20 points with eight rebounds in this one. Her ability to stretch the floor and crash the glass gives TCU an added dimension.
Then there’s Clara Silva, who continues to emerge as a force in the paint. She notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards, showing off her mobility and passing touch - rare traits for a player her size. Her versatility was on full display, especially when Kansas State tried to stretch her defensively.
“[Kansas State] didn’t have a true, true center, so she had to switch on some actions,” Campbell noted. “She had an undersized four that she had to go to because one of their fours can really shoot it, but she’s so versatile.”
Depth and Balance Keep TCU Dangerous
Even when some of the usual contributors have a quieter night, TCU doesn’t miss a beat. Donovyn Hunter, a returning piece from last year’s title team, only scored seven points - but she’s shooting over 41% from deep this season, a significant jump from last year. That kind of spacing opens up the floor for everyone else.
Maddie Scherr didn’t score, but her fingerprints were all over the game. Three rebounds, three assists, three blocks - the kind of all-around contribution that helps championship-caliber teams stay steady.
And while the bench only contributed two points through three quarters, there’s context: center Kennedy Basham was out with an ankle injury, and with an 11-day break ahead, the starters will get the rest they need. Campbell isn’t sweating where the points come from - he’s more focused on how they come.
“We work hard on sharing the basketball,” he said. “If that comes from the first group, from the bench, I don’t care.
We ended up with 20 assists tonight... I think the hallmark since we’ve been here is that we share the ball.
We played a game together and organically, when you do that, wherever the points come from is where they come from.”
Home Court Advantage? Try Fortress
Schollmaier Arena has quietly become one of the toughest places to play in the country. With Saturday’s win, TCU extended its home winning streak to 34 games. Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie summed it up best:
“Any team coming into here is going to have to pick, you know, because they are so balanced. They can hurt you in the post. They can hurt you from the three-point line.”
That’s the dilemma for every team that lines up against the Horned Frogs. Pick your poison - and hope it doesn’t burn you too badly.
Bottom Line
TCU isn’t just winning - they’re dictating games with poise, precision, and purpose. With a roster that’s clicking on every level and a coach who knows how to push the right buttons, the Horned Frogs look every bit like a team built for another deep run.
If this is how they open Big 12 play, the rest of the conference better buckle up.