GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — In a thrilling matchup at the Cayman Islands Classic, Hailey Van Lith made a significant impact, contributing 19 of her 21 points in the second half, while Sedona Prince stepped up for TCU with an impressive 20 points and 20 rebounds. Their efforts helped the 17th-ranked Horned Frogs secure a 76-68 victory over third-ranked Notre Dame.
Prince also showcased her defensive prowess with eight blocks, aiding TCU to maintain their perfect season record at 7-0. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Horned Frogs, as it matches the highest-ranked win in the program’s history, replicating their success against California in 2008. Madison Connor added to the scoring with 18 points, including two critical three-pointers in consecutive possessions during the final quarter.
On the other side, Hannah Hidalgo led the Fighting Irish with an impressive 27 points. Entering the contest with an average of 24.8 points per game—ranking her fourth in the nation—Hidalgo’s performance was notable despite the team’s first loss of the season. Notre Dame had a substantial lead at one point, going up by 14 points during the third quarter, but they struggled to maintain their momentum, particularly in the decisive fourth period where TCU outscored them 31-12. The Horned Frogs displayed an excellent shooting percentage of 61% during that final quarter, including 44% from three-point range.
Key takeaways from the game indicate that TCU effectively managed to stay competitive, eventually taking control in the fourth quarter, while Notre Dame faced their first defeat despite leading for the majority of the match (85% overall).
A pivotal moment came when Agnes Emma-Nnopu hit a three-pointer with 3:49 remaining, which allowed TCU to seize the lead, marking her best three among her eight points off the bench. Notably, Notre Dame, known for its strong defensive stats with an average of nine blocks per game, only managed to record two blocks during this defeat.
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish will be back in action on Saturday, preparing to face Utah in the finale of the Cayman Islands Classic. Meanwhile, TCU will also conclude their tournament on the same day as they go up against South Florida, aiming to extend their winning streak.