The stage was set for an exciting showdown as the No. 8 ranked TCU Horned Frogs faced off against the No. 16 West Virginia Mountaineers in the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship Semifinals this past Saturday. The game unfolded at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, where fans were eager to see which team would advance to the finals. In a closely contested game, TCU emerged victorious with a final score of 71-65.
A Thrilling Matchup in Kansas City
The match kicked off with both teams showing their determination to secure a spot in the championship final. The atmosphere was electric, and the players gave it their all. West Virginia started strong, with their senior guard KK Deans leading the charge. She inspired her teammates with a fantastic performance, scoring a remarkable 20 points. Alongside Deans, Jayla Hemingway contributed 11 points, while Madisen Smith chipped in with 10 points. However, despite their efforts, TCU’s well-coordinated plays proved too much for the Mountaineers.
Key Moments That Changed the Game
One of the pivotal moments of the game occurred during the second quarter, where TCU outscored West Virginia 23-12. This decisive stretch allowed TCU to build a commanding lead. Although West Virginia responded strongly, outscoring TCU 10-2 early in the third quarter, the Horned Frogs were able to regroup. As the game progressed, TCU managed to extend their lead to 12 points in the final quarter.
Tough Luck for the Mountaineers
Despite their spirited comeback efforts towards the end, West Virginia’s fight fell short. The Mountaineers have been full of resilience throughout the season, but this time around, they could not find the momentum needed to pull off the win. Coach and players acknowledge the heartbreak of losing at such a critical moment, yet they displayed great sportsmanship, commending their opponents.
Looking Forward
The Mountaineers’ next journey awaits as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament selection show, which is set for March 16th. Fans are hopeful that this setback will only boost their spirits and push them to work even harder in the upcoming tournament. Meanwhile, TCU looks forward to the championship final, where they aim to showcase their skills and determination on a bigger stage.
Final Score Overview
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCU | 71 | Hailey Van Lith | 24 |
| West Virginia | 65 | KK Deans | 20 |
The Road Ahead
As TCU prepares for the championship final against its upcoming opponent, their strategy will likely focus on maintaining the momentum that helped them secure the semifinal victory. Supporters from both teams look forward to the NCAA action coming soon, which promises more exciting basketball!
