West Virginia opened the basketball game with a strong 7-0 run, making three of five shots from the field and one of two from three-point range.

TCU’s Agnes Emma Nnopu disrupted the Mountaineers’ momentum with a layup, bringing the score to 2-7 in the first three minutes of the first quarter.

Tara Manumaleuga helped cut the deficit for the TCU Horned Frogs, hitting three big three-pointers to bring them within one point, trailing 12-13 at the end of the first quarter. While knocking down threes, Manumaleuga is key to distributing the ball out to open teammates.

Nnopu said that Manumaleuga is one of their best play making guards. Having a bigger role this season has helped her development on the court. 

“For her to have this opportunity to facilitate, it’s big,” said Nnpou. “It’s helping her grow with her confidence because we are going to need her down the stretch too.” 

Although the Frogs trailed by five points, Nnopu contributed significantly to keeping them in the fight, demonstrating her efficiency on both offense and defense. Nnopu and Manumaleuga led the team in the first half with eight points and Nnpous three steals.

However, the Frogs struggled to maintain their pace as the Mountaineers found their offensive rhythm while continuing to pressure the Frogs. 

TCU lost their momentum at the 3:50 mark, falling behind 19-25. West Virginia mounted a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 32-19 by halftime.

Sydney Harris put the Frogs up 22-38 at the 7:13 mark in the third quarter, hitting a crucial three pointer. Harris came in during the second half, trying to help cut the deficit by putting up 13 points and four rebounds. 

Harris was out with an injury in the beginning of the season but has made an impact since her return to the court. Nnopu said it has been big to get a shooter like Harris back on the court. 

“She is a shooter and I feel if she continues to knock down three and keeps developing in her defensive game, she will also be another one we will rely on especially down the stretch. 

But the Mountaineers held off the Frogs in the third quarter, having better shot selection, shooting 50% from the field compared to TCU’s 31 field goal percentage. Jade Clark and Nnopu knocked down two threes to bring the Frogs up 33-60 at the end of the third quarter. 

Head Coach Mark Campbell said the Mountaineers’ press was very effective, making TCU’s offense uncomfortable, causing the ball movement to speed up and not be as fluid. 

“We could not get into any rhythm, did not do a good job of holding the ball, and that has been a common thing,” said Campbell. “We have to do better taking care of the ball. Second and third quarters have been killing us the last four to five games. We need to continue to grow and get better, especially in third quarter situations.”

West Virginia continued to put up points, scoring 50 points in the paint to TCU’s 16, and continuing to pressure TCU. The Frogs tried to cut at the deficit, but West Virginia’s offense and 16 steals helped them take the 25 point win. 

Up next the Horned Frogs will have till Saturday to prepare as they hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bearcats, tip-off is at 1 p.m.