KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hailey Van Lith played a pivotal role in TCU’s triumph over Baylor on Sunday, contributing 20 points to guide her team to a 64-59 victory. This win at the T-Mobile Center secured TCU’s first Big 12 Championship. Van Lith’s performance adds to an impressive year highlighted by earning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and clinching the Big 12 regular season title. Her consistency under pressure was evident as she sank 10 out of 10 free throws during the game.
Reflecting on the achievement, Van Lith commented on the satisfaction of being part of a winning team rather than just accumulating personal stats. “Anybody can go out and average 20 a game and play on a bad team and never get to the postseason,” she said. “To say that your team kicks people’s butts, that’s the ultimate flex.”
The Horned Frogs celebrated their first conference tournament victory since 2005, a time when they were part of Conference USA. This year marked their first Big 12 title game appearance, an achievement notable as Baylor has historically dominated with 16 appearances and 11 titles. TCU’s Sedona Prince contributed a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Madison Conner and Donovyn Hunter each added 11 points.
TCU’s journey under new coach Mark Campbell has been a remarkable one, turning around from an 8-23 record the previous season. With strategic planning and determination, the team secured 14 consecutive wins at the start, setting a new record for the program. Though injuries challenged their momentum, leading to a 21-12 finish and a second-round exit in the WBIT, Campbell’s outlook remained positive. “We chose to play two SEC games behind closed doors [in exhibitions], and after those two days, we came back and met as a staff. You start going, ‘Gosh dang, we might be pretty good this year.’”
For Baylor, ranked No. 17, Aaronette Vonleh was an offensive force with 20 points, supported by Sarah Andrews with 13 and Yaya Felder with 12. Despite efforts, critical moments slipped away as turnovers plagued Baylor’s final minutes. During a tight game, Madison Conner increased TCU’s lead with a crucial free throw, and a last-ditch 3-pointer attempt by Vonleh failed to connect.
The match remained competitive with Andrews catalyzing a 12-2 run to tie late in the game, but TCU maintained composure with crucial plays from Van Lith and others. Andrews expressed motivations post-match, saying, “I’m gonna give us a day to hang our heads about it. But when 11:59 or 12 o’clock comes tonight, it’s time to move on and get ready for the NCAA Tournament.”
In summary, TCU thrived on critical defensive plays and consistent free-throw shooting, executing at 91%. Conversely, Baylor fell short in execution, accumulating 14 turnovers with major ones in the closing moments. Teams now turn their attention to the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with the field announcement set for March 16 and games starting on March 19.
