TCU handled No. 16 West Virginia 71-65 in Saturday’s semifinals of the Big 12 Championship, setting up a title game showdown Sunday against the Baylor Bears.
The Horned Frogs’ star trio of Hailey Van Lith, Sedona Prince and Madison Conner combined for 53 points to power TCU into its first conference tournament championship game in 20 years.
“They’re two of the biggest names in college basketball, and the only reason this thing is working is because they’re just selfless,” TCU head coach Mark Campbell said of Van Lith and Prince. “They have truly no ego. All they care about is winning and figuring out what the team needs.”
Van Lith led TCU with 19 points and a game-high eight assists against just one turnover. Prince delivered an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double while adding two blocks and Conner knocked down five three-pointers for 16 points.
“No other shooter like her in the country,” Van Lith said of Conner. “I literally threw it to her, and I was like, ‘Shoot it.’ I was open, and I wanted her to shoot it because that’s what she does.”
The Frogs built a 40-25 halftime advantage behind a stifling defense that limited West Virginia (24-7, 13-5) to just 33% shooting in the first half. TCU also tamed the Mountaineers’ NCAA-leading pressure defense, which averages 25 turnovers forced per game but managed just 12 takeaways Saturday.
West Virginia rallied in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 52-47 heading into the final period, but TCU responded with a 10-3 run to regain control.
Conner delivered the dagger with her fifth three-pointer when West Virginia pulled within five points late in the fourth quarter.
“That shot mattered,” Van Lith said. “If you’ve got the confidence to shoot it, by all means I have 100% trust and faith in you.”
A kiss goodbye 👋 pic.twitter.com/KpCyL4fUOU
— TCU Women’s Basketball (@tcuwbb) March 8, 2025
The Horned Frogs have won three consecutive games against ranked opponents for the first time in program history. Sunday will mark TCU’s fourth conference tournament championship appearance and first since winning the 2005 Conference USA Tournament.
TCU, along with No. 1 Texas, is one of only two teams with 30 victories this season as the Frogs continue their remarkable turnaround under Campbell.
“All year they’ve found a way to close games out…” Campbell said. “It starts with these two…It’s why we got a chance to play for a title tomorrow, and that’s why we’re 30-3.”
The Frogs will face Baylor in the championship game on Sunday at 4 p.m. and broadcasted on ESPN.
