The Frogs defeated the Bearkats 85-59 in a wire-to-wire victory tonight.
TCU started their game against Sam Houston State on a 9-0 run powered by three 3-pointers from Jada Butts, Zahna Medley, and AJ Alix.
Jada Butts starred in the win over the Bearkats, making significant contributions on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
Coach Pebley praised Butts’ efforts in spearheading the full-court press.
“Jada did a great job helping establish that press presence and making them feel like they’re playing uphill,” Pebley said.
A big key to the TCU victory was the Frog’s use of the full-court press.
“I think it allowed us to slow them down in transition,” Pebley said. “We lost such a great defender in Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Chelsea Prince, so it’s great to see we have other players who can create a defensive presence in that press.”
TCU blocked eight Sam Houston shots while playing defense in the half-court, but Pebley said he believes that’s a number the team can improve.
“I think that’s something we can be better at,” Pebley said. “We’ve got bigs who are confident in rising up and contesting shots, which builds our guards’ trust since they know they have people behind them defending and creating a presence.”
Butts scored 20 points in the win and shot 6-8 from the field and one three pointer. She attributes her efficient scoring success to her teammates.
“My teammates make shots,” Butts said. “If my teammates make shots, that leads to people being open. I was able make those shots because of the efficient play of my teammates.”
Last year’s leading scorer Zahna Medley also had a fantastic night shooting, going 3-6 from the three-point line, scoring 18 overall.
Highly-touted freshman Adeola Akomolafe flashed some of her potential in the fourth quarter, scoring on an alley-oop layup and blocking a shot in transition.
While TCU committed 13 turnovers, Pebley said he believes the team’s effort made up for the turnovers.
“I was proud of the sustained effort our team played with,” Pebley said. “We made mistakes, but our effort made up for those mistakes overall throughout the game.”
TCU’s next game is back at the TCU Campus Recreation Center Sunday Nov. 15 at 2 p.m..
