TCU Horned Frogs Seals Win Against NC State Wolfpack
For the first time in two decades, TCU hosted a reigning Final Four team, marking a historic matchup for the Horned Frogs. This matchup marked TCU’s first home national broadcast since 2019. The Horned Frogs aimed to secure a 4-0 start to the season and rallied fans to show up and support the team as they face a major test against the 13th-ranked NC State Wolfpack. The pressure was on, as TCU had not beaten a ranked team in three years. Meanwhile, NC State came into the game with a 2-1 record, set to defend their ranking and demonstrate their strength on the court.
In the early stages of the first half, TCU struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, missing several three-point attempts. Meanwhile, NC State focused on ball control, with their players doing a lot of dribbling to maintain possession and set up plays. As the game progressed, both teams' offenses began to slow down, resulting in a more methodical pace. Despite their early shooting issues, TCU capitalized on their offensive rebounds, converting second-chance opportunities into points. The half was marked by clean play, with few fouls and turnovers, allowing the game to flow smoothly and maintaining the intensity on both ends of the court. In the second half, North Carolina quickly racked up three fouls, giving TCU an early advantage. TCU's defense was relentless, forcing NC out from around the paint and pushing them back beyond the arc. Sedona Prince had an impressive third quarter, securing a double-double and helping TCU build their largest lead of the game so far. The game began to heat up as both teams amplified their energy. North Carolina bounced back in the fourth quarter, making it a close contest. Aziaha James electrified the court with her performance, but a missed three-pointer in the final moments resulted in TCU clinching a narrow victory with a final score of 73-76.
The atmosphere was electric as fans showed up in full force, their loud cheers and a false shot clock count adding to the excitement. The game featured many weapons, most notably Sedona Prince who tallied 30 points and 16 rebounds, earning herself another double-double. TCU showcased a dynamic two-man game, moving fluidly from outside to inside and handling adversity with poise. Prince's range and mobility were on full display, highlighting her versatility. Hailey Van Lith’s playmaker skills stood out, boasting her first-ever career 10-assist double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. This game sent a clear message to the Big 12 that the Horned Frogs were ready to storm the castle and seize the crown. NC State struggled to find an answer for Prince, who dominated the paint with no equivalent big player to challenge her. Meanwhile, James proved to be a standout, coming off the bench to score an impressive 27 points and bringing an extra spark to the team, especially in the fourth quarter. Saniya Rivers contributed significantly with 16 points, and Zoe Brooks added another 15, showcasing their depth and ability to show up in tightly contested matchups.
In just under a month, TCU will be up against formidable opponents. The Horned Frogs, already demonstrating a bond like no other, still have valuable preparation time ahead. Before these high-stakes matchups, they will compete against Incarnate Word and Idaho State. Following these games, they will travel to the Cayman Islands to take on the sixth-ranked Notre Dame, then face South Florida and Florida Atlantic before their highly anticipated game against the top-ranked South Carolina in Dickies Arena. The remarkable turnaround under Mark Campbell has clearly transformed the Horned Frogs for the better. I expect this momentum to persist as the team makes strong statements ahead of Big 12 league play. Such early successes will undoubtedly benefit the team in the long run, setting a solid foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.
