WACO, Texas — In a remarkable turnaround, the TCU women’s basketball team, once dubbed the “Underfrogs” due to their underdog status, has emerged as the outright champions of the Big 12 Conference. This achievement was sealed with a thrilling 51-48 victory against No. 17 Baylor on Sunday night, a team that has long been considered the powerhouse of the league. This win is particularly significant as it was secured against a 13-time champion, Baylor, in a tense showdown.
This victory marks TCU’s first regular-season title since their days in the Mountain West Conference in 2010. Under the guidance of second-year coach Mark Campbell, the Horned Frogs have proven that their program has reached the pinnacle of college basketball. Campbell expressed the significance of this moment, noting that defeating Baylor in such a competitive environment is a testament to the team’s progress.
Sedona Prince played a crucial role in the victory, recording 16 points and 19 rebounds, achieving her 13th double-double of the season. Hailey Van Lith also contributed significantly with 14 points, reinforcing the team’s strength. This triumph over Baylor came five weeks after TCU ended a 35-year drought against their instate rival with a nail-biting 80-75 victory at home.
Last season was challenging for the Frogs, with a promising 14-0 start hampered by injuries, including a broken finger for Prince. With key players sidelined, the team was pushed to hold open tryouts just to fill their roster. The adversity culminated in forfeiting two games due to a depleted squad. The past season’s struggles have made this year’s achievement even more special for the team. Prince reflected on the difficult times, emphasizing the joy and significance of clinching the title at Baylor, where their troubles began.
This time, the journey back to Fort Worth is filled with joy and anticipation for the upcoming Big 12 tournament, set to begin in Kansas City. TCU will also benefit from hosting the women’s NCAA Tournament on their home court, where they boast an impressive 19-0 record this season.
The finale of the Big 12 season, a winner-take-all contest, was a historic first for the 29-year-old league. Campbell reflected on the team’s journey, expressing how winning the league title and bringing the trophy to TCU is almost surreal. This season’s performance ensures the Frogs will make their 10th NCAA Tournament appearance, and their first since their last conference title 15 years ago, though they have never advanced beyond the second round.
Carrying a seven-game winning streak into the postseason, TCU celebrates its most successful season yet. Apart from the double victories over Baylor, they have also triumphed over notable teams like No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 9 NC State, who are the Atlantic Coast Conference co-champions.
Madison Conner, reflecting on the season’s hard work, emphasized that while they celebrate their achievements, the team remains focused on preparing for the challenges ahead in the Big 12 tournament. Their dedication and performance have set the stage for an exciting postseason.
