This past Sunday, the Baylor women’s basketball team faced off against TCU in an exciting Big 12 Championship final at the T-Mobile Center. In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, TCU walked away with a narrow victory at 64-59, marking a significant moment as they secured their first conference tournament title in 20 years.
The Intense Game
The matchup was thrilling, featuring strong performances from the players on both teams. Baylor staged a spirited comeback and managed to tie the game at 57-57 with just over three minutes left on the clock. However, it was a heart-wrenching moment late in the game when Baylor’s Nettie Vonleh missed a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds that could have tied the score once again. Vonleh did shine throughout the match, scoring 20 points and sharing the title of leading scorer with TCU’s Hailey Van Lith, who also tallied 20 points for TCU.
Early Struggles
Despite their best efforts, Baylor struggled with their shooting, managing only 26% in the first half and 26.7% in the fourth quarter. Coach Kim Mulkey noted that the team fought hard but fell short, stating, “The three-point attempt was the easiest clean look.” It was evident that the shooting woes affected their performance significantly, especially in such a high-pressure environment.
Key Moments in the Game
- TCU took an early lead and carried the momentum through much of the game.
- Baylor’s Sarah Andrews contributed 13 points, primarily scored in the second half, demonstrating her determination to help turn the tide.
- One of the standout performances came from TCU’s Sedona Prince, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Now that the Big 12 Championship is over, Baylor will turn its eyes to the upcoming NCAA Tournament selections, which are set to be announced on March 16th. With a record of 27 wins and 7 losses, the expectations are high, and Baylor hopes to secure a favorable seed that could allow them to host the first two rounds in Waco.
More on Baylor’s Performance
As Baylor prepares for the NCAA Tournament, the team boasts a No. 15 Net Ranking and an impressive set of players. Key players like Aaronette Vonleh, who averages 14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs with 14.3 points and 10.5 rebounds, highlight the cohesive strength of the team’s roster. Baylor’s journey has been remarkable, making it to the Big 12 Tournament finals for the first time since 2022. Although this game was a setback, the Bears are determined to bounce back in the national spotlight.
