BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The TCU Horned Frogs faced off against the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Elite Eight on Monday, March 31, 2025, in a highly anticipated matchup that showcased the best of college basketball talent. The game tipped off at 6 p.m. CT at the Legacy Arena, with a coveted spot in the Final Four on the line.
As the game unfolded, the Horned Frogs, led by star guard Hailey Van Lith, found themselves in a fierce battle against the top-seeded Longhorns. The stakes were high, with TCU aiming to make history by advancing to the Final Four for the first time, while Texas looked to assert its dominance as a powerhouse in women's basketball.
Van Lith, who was playing in a record fifth career Elite Eight, had already made headlines with her impressive performance in the Sweet 16, where she scored 26 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out four assists in a victory over Notre Dame. Her postseason prowess was on full display as she aimed to lead her team to victory against their in-state rivals.
The matchup was particularly intriguing as it featured two of the best teams in the country, and the odds reflected the competitive nature of the game. Texas entered the contest as a heavy favorite with a moneyline of -360, while TCU was listed at +285. The spread was set at Texas -7.5, indicating a close contest was expected. The total points for the game were projected at 129.5, suggesting a defensive battle was likely.
Texas came out strong, with their elite frontcourt duo of Madison Booker and Taylor Jones proving to be a significant challenge for TCU's Sedona Prince. The Longhorns ranked second nationally in offensive rebounding rate, which allowed them to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. This strength was evident early on as they established a physical presence in the paint.
However, TCU's strategy relied heavily on their shooting efficiency. The Horned Frogs were known for their deadly three-point shooting and ranked in the top ten nationally in two-point percentage. This ability to score from multiple areas of the court kept them in contention against the Longhorns.
In the first quarter, TCU struggled to find its rhythm offensively. Van Lith, who was expected to be a key contributor, had a slow start, missing her first three shot attempts and committing a turnover. Despite TCU's challenges, they managed to keep the score close, trailing Texas 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter unfolded, Van Lith began to find her footing. She hit a crucial three-pointer with just a minute left in the half, narrowing Texas' lead to six points. By halftime, Van Lith had accumulated eight points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while shooting three of ten from the field. However, her four turnovers highlighted the pressure she faced from Texas's defense.
TCU's overall performance in the first half showcased their resilience. Despite Texas's physical play and strong rebounding, the Horned Frogs managed to stay within striking distance. The halftime score reflected this competitive spirit, with Texas leading TCU 23-21.
In the locker room, TCU coach Raegan Pebley emphasized the importance of teamwork and maintaining composure against a formidable opponent. "We need to trust each other and play our game. We know we can compete with anyone when we play as a unit," said Pebley before the second half.
As the second half began, the intensity of the game escalated. TCU needed a collective effort to overcome the Longhorns and secure their place in the Final Four. Van Lith's leadership on the court was crucial as she orchestrated plays and encouraged her teammates to step up.
Player projections for the game indicated that Van Lith was expected to lead the Horned Frogs with 18.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Madison Conner was projected to score 13.5 points and make 4.5 three-pointers. On the Texas side, Madison Booker was projected to contribute 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, while Rori Harmon was expected to add 8 points and 5.5 assists.
Throughout the game, the atmosphere in Legacy Arena was electric, with fans from both sides passionately cheering for their teams. Among the supporters for TCU was Orlando Magic star Jalen Suggs, who showed up in a Van Lith jersey, demonstrating the camaraderie and support within the basketball community.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted with each possession. TCU's ability to execute their game plan would be tested against Texas's formidable defense. The Horned Frogs needed to capitalize on their shooting opportunities and limit turnovers to keep the game competitive.
The final quarter loomed, and the question remained: could TCU pull off the upset against a team that had been a dominant force all season? With Van Lith leading the charge, the Horned Frogs had the potential to make history and secure their spot in the Final Four.
As the clock ticked down, both teams displayed their grit and determination, making for a thrilling finish that would keep fans on the edge of their seats. The outcome of this Elite Eight clash was still undecided, but one thing was clear: the spirit of competition was alive and well in Birmingham as TCU fought valiantly for their place in NCAA history.
