Women’s Basketball: Sedona Prince scores 27 to lead No. 10 TCU past UCF 90-81

Horned Frogs survive Knights’ late game comeback attempt to remain undefeated in Big 12 play

In an elite uniform matchup as both teams donned script uniforms for Retro Night, it was a game of streaks on Tuesday night in Schollmaier Arena as the 10th-ranked Horned Frogs hosted the UCF Knights (7-9, 0-6 Big 12). TCU was able to emerge with the 90-81 victory, outlasting a late surge as a 10-0 4th quarter Knights run cut TCU’s once-comfortable advantage to just six points in the final minute before making a few free throws to reach the final score. With the win, TCU improves to 18-1 on the season and 6-0 in the Big 12, marking the first time in program history the Frogs have started with 6 straight wins to open conference play.

Four Horned Frogs scored in double digits on Tuesday, led by Sedona Prince’s 27 points, 10 of which came in the that decisive 4th quarter. Prince has now scored 20+ points in four consecutive games and for the fifth time in six conference games. TCU made it rain from beyond the arc, with its 15 made three-point attempts setting a program record in a Big 12 contest. Six of those made 3FGs came in a dominant 30-point first quarter as the Frogs shot an incredible 75% from the field to open up an 11-point advantage after one period. Hailey Van Lith matched a career-high with six made from long range, the most she’s made in a single game since February 2022, as part of the 20-point night for the Olympic medalist. The nation’s leader in three-pointers, Madison Connor made four of her nine attempts vs. the Knights, adding a pair of game sealing free throws to reach 14 points on the night.

The TCU offense was operating at an elite level as a well oiled machine, distributing a season-high 29 assists on its 32 made baskets, That assist total matches the highest of the Mark Campbell era, equaling the 29 assists in a December 2023 blow out win over Mount St. Mary’s. Hailey Van Lith continues to show off her playmaking skills, leading the Frogs in dimes with seven as she continues to rank top-ten nationally in assists.

Donovyn Hunter and Aaliyah Roberson each provided a key offensive boost off the bench, combining for 21 points on 8-11 shooting. The Knights were able to find plenty of success scoring to match wits with TCU’s performance. Kaitlin Peterson dropped 33 points including four 3FGs as the Knights had its best three-point shooting game of the season, making 50% from beyond the arc. UCF also owned the post, finding ways to navigate past a TCU interior defense anchored by the nation’s best shot blocker to score 40 points in the paint. TCU committed a season-high 23 fouls, allowing a season-high 19 points via free throw. In addition to holding advantage from long range and from the charity stripe, the Knights bested TCU on fast break points and second chance scoring.

Despite one of its roughest defensive showings of the season, the Horned Frogs never trailed in the game and held a lead as large as 21 points in the 4th quarter. TCU will have some notes to work through in preparation for its toughest challenge to date in conference play when No. 23 Utah Utes visit Schollmaier Arena on Friday at 6:30 PM, broadcast on ESPN+.