In a closely contested Big 12 women's basketball matchup, the 14th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs faced a narrow defeat against the 18th-ranked Texas Tech Lady Raiders, ending with a score of 62-60. This road game presented significant challenges, including a tough shooting performance and an intimidating atmosphere in Lubbock. Despite these hurdles, TCU displayed considerable fight, almost securing an upset victory against their ranked opponent. Following this result, TCU's season record stands at 20-3, with an 8-2 record in Big 12 play. The team's position at the top of the conference remains unchanged, tied with Baylor, who also experienced a loss this past weekend.
Marta Suarez delivered her most impactful performance in recent weeks, contributing significantly with 15 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Her efficient shooting, hitting 53.8% from the field, marked her sixth double-double of the season against the Lady Raiders. Suarez's resurgence in form is a promising indicator for the team's future prospects. Her versatility, combining effective three-point shooting with strong post-play, provides a crucial secondary scoring option for the Horned Frogs. Olivia Miles also had a notable outing, tallying 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal, despite not having her most efficient shooting night. Her efforts in minimizing turnovers, with only three as the primary ball-handler, were vital in a challenging environment against an aggressive defense. Donovyn Hunter was the third player to reach double figures, adding 11 points, two rebounds, and a steal. Hunter has found her rhythm recently, consistently scoring in double digits in four of her last five games. The return of Maddie Scherr from injury was a significant boost, as she contributed seven points, three rebounds, and three steals, impacting both ends of the court. Scherr's presence, particularly her strong perimeter defense, greatly enhanced TCU's defensive capabilities.
TCU encountered difficulties with their long-range shooting against Texas Tech, converting only 28% of their three-point attempts as a team. However, the Horned Frogs demonstrated impressive adaptability by dominating points in the paint, outscoring the Lady Raiders 34-14 in that area. Despite their aggressive play inside, TCU only attempted five free throws compared to Texas Tech's 17. The Frogs effectively managed turnovers, committing just 11 as a team. The most significant statistical disparity in the game was in rebounding, where Texas Tech secured 46 rebounds to TCU's 34. TCU struggled to secure defensive boards, allowing Texas Tech to grab 15 offensive rebounds. Apart from the rebounding battle, TCU delivered a solid defensive performance, limiting Texas Tech to just 32% shooting from the field. Had TCU been more competitive on the glass, the outcome of the game might have been different, potentially resulting in a victory.
The Horned Frogs are now looking ahead to bounce back on Wednesday as they prepare to host Houston in Fort Worth at 6:30 pm. The Cougars have had a challenging 2025-2026 season, currently holding a 7-14 overall record and a 1-9 conference record in the Big 12. However, Houston recently secured a thrilling 72-70 victory over Cincinnati, indicating they are capable of surprising performances.
In summary, the TCU women's basketball team faced a tough road loss against Texas Tech, showcasing both resilience and areas for improvement. Strong individual performances from key players underscored their potential, while the team's ability to adapt offensively and maintain defensive pressure highlighted their competitive nature. Despite the defeat, TCU remains a formidable force in the Big 12, poised to continue their strong season performance.