TCU women secure NCAA tournament victory after 17 years

In Fort Worth, Texas, the TCU women's basketball team made history by winning their first NCAA Tournament game since 2006. They faced Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) on a Friday night, where they showcased an impressive performance, finishing the game with a score of 73-51. The victory marked a significant milestone for the second-seeded Frogs, who played their inaugural NCAA home game for women's basketball in 15 years. TCU's success was propelled by standout performances from players such as Madison Conner, who scored 23 points, and Sedona Prince, who contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds. Hailey Van Lith also played a pivotal role in the victory with 13 points and seven assists, helping maintain the Horned Frogs' formidable momentum. Despite FDU being the Northeast Conference champions and riding a 22-game winning streak into the matchup, they found it challenging to match TCU’s talent and energy on the court. TCU's victory comes on the heels of an impressive 11-game winning streak, demonstrating their dominance as they approach the later stages of the tournament. The game was dynamic, with multiple lead changes in the first half. The turning point came when TCU secured the lead for good following Conner's three-point shot that took their score to 21-20. Following halftime, the Frogs established a double-digit advantage, stifling any rally attempts made by FDU. The performance exemplified TCU's unselfish play style, with Conner emphasizing the importance of teamwork, stating, 'I have two great people beside me.' Additionally, this victory is crucial as it comes just two years after Mark Campbell was hired as TCU's coach, amidst a rebuilding phase following a season where they struggled significantly in conference play. As they advance, the Frogs will continue to rely on their chemistry and unselfish gameplay, potentially setting a new precedent in their NCAA history. With fans now looking forward to future matches, TCU aims to advance further and possibly break through the second round, a landmark they have never surpassed in previous tournament appearances.