TCU Horned Frogs Advance to Elite Eight with Thrilling Win over Notre Dame
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hailey Van Lith scored 12 of her 26 points in the fourth quarter to help the second-seeded TCU Horned Frogs beat No. 3 seed Notre Dame 71-62 on Saturday in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Sedona Prince added 21 points for the Horned Frogs (34-3), who advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Next up is Texas or Tennessee on Monday night.
With the game tied at 52 early in the fourth, Van Lith took over. She scored five of the next six points for TCU to give the team the lead. Every run that the Fighting Irish made, Van Lith and the Horned Frogs had an answer.
Van Lith, who started her career at Louisville before transferring to LSU last season and then TCU this past year, is on her way to a regional final for the fifth time.
Notre Dame (28-6) was trying to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. Liatu King scored 17 points for the Irish. Hannah Hidalgo had 15 and Olivia Miles finished with 10. But the star backcourt was a combined 6 for 29 from the field.
Game Summary
Notre Dame got off to a slow start before rallying for a 35-33 halftime lead. Neither team led by more than four points in the second quarter. The teams met in November in a Thanksgiving tournament in the Cayman Islands, and the Horned Frogs came away with a victory after rallying from a 14-point deficit. The Irish were missing Maddy Westbeld and Liza Karlen for that game.
Key Players and Performances
Van Lith’s performance was crucial in the win, as she took over the game in the fourth quarter. Sedona Prince also had a great game, scoring 21 points for the Horned Frogs. For Notre Dame, Liatu King and Hannah Hidalgo were the top scorers, but the team’s star backcourt struggled with their shooting.
Takeaways
Notre Dame: The Irish will need to find replacements for Sonia Citron, Westbeld and most likely Olivia Miles next season after falling short this year.
TCU: The Horned Frogs continue the best season in school history with the oldest team in the tournament. Their average age is 22 1/2 years old. There are only two players on the roster under 21.
Key Stat
TCU made 22 of 24 free throws, including all 16 in the second half. This was a crucial factor in their win, as it allowed them to maintain their lead and close out the game.
Key Moment
Notre Dame looked as if it would blow the game open early in the third quarter, scoring nine straight points. Miles was a big part of the run, going behind her back while dribbling up the court in transition before throwing a no-look pass for a layup. Then she hit a 3-pointer before waving her arms in celebration as she made her way down the court.
TCU wasn’t rattled though. Van Lith made a couple of key defensive plays to keep the Horned Frogs in the game, and they trailed 52-50 going into the fourth.
Conclusion
The TCU Horned Frogs’ win over Notre Dame was a thrilling game that showcased the team’s determination and skill. With Van Lith’s impressive performance and the team’s strong free-throw shooting, they were able to come out on top and advance to the Elite Eight. This is a historic moment for the team, and they will look to continue their success in the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the top scorer for TCU in the game?
A: Hailey Van Lith was the top scorer for TCU, with 26 points.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 71-62 in favor of TCU.
Q: What is next for TCU in the tournament?
A: TCU will play either Texas or Tennessee on Monday night in the Elite Eight.
Q: How old is the average player on the TCU team?
A: The average age of the players on the TCU team is 22 1/2 years old.
