In a thrilling matchup full of emotion and skill, the TCU Lady Horned Frogs emerged victorious against the Louisville Cardinals, defeating them 85-70 in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament on March 23. This game, held at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, marked an enthralling reunion between TCU's Hailey Van Lith and her former team, Louisville, where she made a significant impact during her collegiate career.
Hailey Van Lith, who transferred to TCU from Louisville after spending her first three seasons with the Cardinals, was at the center of attention as she led her new team deeper into the NCAA tournament. Van Lith’s journey has been remarkable; she was instrumental in leading Louisville to the Elite Eight twice in 2021 and 2023, as well as a Final Four appearance in 2022. Following a challenging stint with LSU in the 2023 season, her return to form at TCU has been impressive. With an average of 17.9 points per game and recognition as the Big 12 Player of the Year, the Horned Frogs have benefitted enormously from her talents this season.
TCU had entered the game as the No. 2 seed after a commanding 73-51 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round. Meanwhile, Louisville overcame a tough challenge from Nebraska, winning 63-58 to set up this highly anticipated matchup. As fans filled the arena, excitement ran high for this pivotal game that had both teams preparing for a shot at the Sweet 16.
The game started with TCU jumping out to a dominant lead, driven by a swift 17-0 run that showcased their excellent teamwork and execution. The Horned Frogs led by 21 points at one point, with a halftime score of 47-26. TCU’s defensive prowess and aggressive offense stymied Louisville's efforts early in the game. Despite their efforts to close the gap, the Cardinals struggled, managing only nine points in the second quarter.
Leading the charge for TCU was none other than Hailey Van Lith, who not only demonstrated her scoring ability but also contributed to the overall team dynamic, facilitating plays that kept Louisville off balance. In comments following the game, Van Lith downplayed the sentimentality of facing her former team, stating, "It is what it is" as she focused on the team's objective to win and advance.
On the other side, Louisville’s Jayda Curry delivered a spectacular performance, scoring an astonishing 41 points—her career high— in what would ultimately be her last game for the Cardinals. Curry’s explosive scoring kept Louisville in the fight, especially in the second half, where she began to find her rhythm after an underwhelming first half from her team. Despite her heroics, the team struggled with overall consistency, and their early-game struggles proved costly.
As the game progressed into the second half, Louisville staged a comeback, showcasing resilience and determination by cutting TCU’s lead down to nine points late in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals managed to score 44 of their total points in the final two quarters, illustrating their ability to rally against the odds. However, TCU held strong, demonstrating their own skill and composure under pressure, ultimately sealing their victory.
The win marks a significant milestone for TCU, as they advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. Their previous successes this season included their first regular-season title, their first conference tournament title, and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2010. The victory against Louisville further solidifies the program's upward trajectory and showcases the talent that has come to define TCU women's basketball.
With the victory secured, TCU’s next challenge will be against either No. 3 Notre Dame or No. 6 Michigan, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting chapter in their NCAA tournament journey. For Louisville, the loss signifies the end of the road for the season, but the promising play of Jayda Curry and the heart shown by the team will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy as they prepare for future competitions and the next chapter of their program.
As March Madness continues, the stakes grow higher, and as teams battle to advance, fans are left eager to see what unfolds next for the remaining competitors. For TCU, the journey has only just begun.
