TCU rallies from 14 down to defeat Notre Dame

In the Cayman Islands, on November 29, 2024, the TCU Horned Frogs achieved a remarkable turnaround against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Cayman Islands Classic basketball tournament. TCU, ranked No. 17, entered the game with an undefeated record but faced a tough challenge from the third-ranked Notre Dame. The Horned Frogs fell behind by as much as 14 points during the third quarter but exhibited resilience by significantly outperforming their opponents in the final quarter, outscoring them 31-12. The team's exceptional shooting, particularly in the fourth quarter where they achieved a 61% shooting percentage, was crucial in securing the victory. Hailey Van Lith played a pivotal role in this success, scoring 19 of her 21 points in the second half, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her teammate Sedona Prince also made a significant contribution with a double-double, recording 20 points and 20 rebounds, along with eight blocks. This victory marked a historic achievement for TCU, as it equaled their highest-ranked win in program history, originally attained in 2008 against California. The game was a notable highlight of the tournament, particularly because TCU managed to turn the tide despite being behind for a majority of the contest. Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo led her team with 27 points but could not prevent the loss. The Fighting Irish had been performing well throughout the season, coming into the game with a record of 5-0. Despite leading most of the game, their inability to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter proved detrimental in this matchup. The loss was a significant blow to Notre Dame, which had been one of the top teams in the nation, known for their solid defensive play and average of nine blocked shots per game, a stat that diminished in this contest. As both teams prepared for their respective tournament finales, TCU continues to display promising potential this season while Notre Dame looks to bounce back against Utah. The dynamics of this game highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports, as TCU's ability to come back after a sluggish start emphasizes the importance of perseverance and strategic adjustments during critical moments of competition.