Nothing went right for No. 9 TCU women’s basketball as the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks gave TCU its first loss of the season, 85-52.
TCU’s 20 turnovers accounted for 30 of South Carolina’s points. TCU had zero fast-break points compared to South Carolina’s 19.
Madison Conner and Sedona Prince were quiet for TCU. The duo totaled 11 points. Conner, typically a strong offensive force, went 1-8 from the field.
Hailey Van Lith was TCU’s only double-digit scorer with team- and game-leading 21 points. She also recorded two rebounds, six assists and drilled all six of her free throws.
Dickies Arena roared when MiLaysia Fulwiley drove in a layup following a Van Lith three-pointer. On the return, Agnes Emma-Nnopu turned the ball over, which resulted in Ashlyn Watkins hitting a slam dunk.
Multiple TCU scoring droughts in the first quarter let the Gamecocks take the lead early, and they never gave it up.
TCU tried to keep in close contest with South Carolina, but its aggressive defense was overwhelming. In the first half, Van Lith led TCU in points with 11, but no other Horned Frogs had more than three points.
TCU shot only 39% from the field compared to South Carolina’s 59%. The Horned Frogs finished shooting 33% from the field compared to the Gamecocks’ 52%.
The first half woes carried into the second as the Horned Frogs went 0-7 in their five-plus minute scoring drought. The turnovers and missed shots gave South Carolina momentum to keep increasing the lead.
Fulwiley finished shooting 8-15 from the field with one 3-pointer. She led the team with 20 points, but multiple Gamecocks tallied in the double-digits.
TCU looks to rebound from the big loss as they host Louisiana Tech next Sunday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. CDT and will stream on ESPN2.
