FORT WORTH, Texas — The much-anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup between the seventh-seeded Louisville Cardinals and second-seeded TCU Horned Frogs came to a dramatic close on March 23, 2025, as TCU triumphed 85-70, marking a significant milestone for both teams.
This victory not only propelled TCU into the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in program history but also ended Louisville's season with a record of 22 wins and 11 losses. The defeat represents the first time the Cardinals have not advanced beyond the second weekend of the tournament in back-to-back seasons under head coach Jeff Walz.
Jayda Curry was the standout player for Louisville, exploding for a career-high 41 points, breaking the program record previously held by Angel McCoughtry (35 points) in the NCAA Tournament. Curry's remarkable performance, which included hitting multiple three-pointers, kept Louisville in the game during the first half, where they even led briefly.
In stark contrast to Curry's individual effort, the rest of the Cardinals struggled offensively, shooting only 33.8% from the field as a team and connecting on only 11 of 43 attempts from the floor outside of Curry's contributions. Olivia Cochran was the only other Louisville player to break into double figures, finishing with 15 points amidst the offensive chaos.
Meanwhile, TCU, backed by an electric home crowd of 7,494 fans that set a new attendance record for Schollmaier Arena, showcased their superiority. TCU's well-rounded offensive capabilities were evident as they saw four players score in double figures, including Agnes Emma-Nnopu, who scored a season-high 23 points, and the team collectively shot a scorching 63% from the field, including 61% from beyond the arc.
The game started off favorably for Louisville, as Curry scored 15 points in the first quarter, leading the Cardinals to only a slight deficit at 20-17. However, TCU flipped the momentum dramatically in the second quarter with a stunning 27-9 run, effectively sealing the victory by halftime, leading 47-26. TCU head coach Mark Campbell praised the atmosphere, stating, “That crowd was incredible, that environment was incredible. That got this team over the hump. Schollmaier was electric for 40 minutes and we needed all of it.”
Louisville managed to regroup somewhat in the second half, improving from a dismal start. They shot 15 of 36 from the field and managed to stabilize defensively, holding TCU to 10 of 19 shooting in the latter half. Despite cutting the lead to single digits at one point, the Cardinals' efforts fell short as TCU continued to make key shots and frequent trips to the free-throw line.
The Horned Frogs went an impressive 16 of 19 at the charity stripe in the second half, compared to only 8 of 10 for Louisville, underscoring their ability to play in clutch moments. TCU’s lineup was balanced, with Sedona Prince adding 19 points and Donovyn Hunter contributing 18 crucial points that helped maintain the team's lead.
At the game's conclusion, TCU celebrated their remarkable achievement of advancing deep in the tournament, showcasing their growth and resilience throughout the season. “It’s going to be a great game; at this point in the season great players show up. Whoever is the toughest team is going to win,” commented TCU guard Hailey Van Lith, highlighting the competitive spirit of the tournament.
The game underscores the growing prominence of women’s basketball, with TCU setting a benchmark for their program. The Cardinals, while disappointed, can take solace in their strong performance against tough competition throughout the season and Curry's record-breaking achievement, which will remain a highlight for Louisville in a challenging year.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will be looking ahead: TCU eager to continue their historic run and Louisville reflecting on what could have been during a relatively successful season overall. The stage is set for an exciting Sweet Sixteen, as TCU proves their mettle among the nation's elite teams.
In a compelling conclusion, the matchup on March 23rd not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted teamwork dynamics, attendance milestones, and the fiercely competitive nature of women's collegiate basketball that continue to grow in popularity and prowess.
