The TCU Horned Frogs have once again punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking their second consecutive year reaching this stage. Sunday's action was packed, with TCU, Baylor, and Texas Tech all vying for advancement. However, TCU was the only team with the home-court advantage, and it certainly played a role.
TCU 62, Washington 59 (OT)
The Horned Frogs, seeded third, faced a fierce challenge from the sixth-seeded Washington Huskies. The game was a nail-biter, pushing into overtime before TCU emerged victorious. This win extended TCU's impressive home winning streak to 44 games, a testament to their dominance on their own court.
Washington held the lead at halftime, forcing TCU to rally in the second half. Despite a missed 3-pointer by Olivia Miles at the buzzer, TCU regrouped in overtime.
They quickly secured a seven-point lead, but Washington fought back, keeping the tension high until the final moments. Taylor Bigby's crucial basket with just over a minute left gave TCU the cushion they needed to seal the win.
Miles was a standout performer, nearly achieving a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Bigby added 15 points, including three critical 3-pointers, while Clara Silva's defensive prowess contributed significantly, alongside her 16 points.
LSU 101, Texas Tech 47
For Texas Tech, the tournament ended in disappointment as they fell to LSU. The Tigers, seeded second, dominated the game, especially in the third quarter where they outscored Texas Tech 33-7, effectively putting the game out of reach. Senior Bailey Maupin, in her final game, was the lone bright spot for Texas Tech, scoring 19 points.
Despite the tough loss, Texas Tech can look back on a remarkable season. With 26 wins, they achieved their best record since the 2002-03 season.
This year marked their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013 and their first tournament win since 2005. Head coach Krista Gerlich will be looking to build on this season's success, even as she bids farewell to several key seniors.
Duke 69, Baylor 46
Duke's Blue Devils, seeded third, cruised past the sixth-seeded Baylor Bears, leading 38-16 at halftime. This game was a stark contrast to their season opener in Paris, where Baylor had claimed a close victory. Taliah Scott led Baylor with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Duke’s dominance.
For Baylor, this marks a bittersweet end for their senior class, including Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Bella Fontleroy, and Jana Van Gytenbeek, who combined for 15 points. Under head coach Nicki Collen, Baylor has consistently reached the NCAA Tournament, yet they've only advanced to the Sweet 16 once, back in 2024.
Upcoming Games (All times Central)
- No. 5 Kentucky at No.
4 West Virginia, 4 p.m., ESPN2
- No.
8 Oklahoma State at No. 1 UCLA, 9 p.m., ESPN
The tournament continues to deliver thrilling matchups, and as the Sweet 16 approaches, fans can expect even more excitement and drama on the court.