Number nine ranked TCU women’s basketball picked up their second loss of the season on Monday at the hands of number 12 ranked Ohio State at the Coretta Scott King Classic by a score of 71-69. The Frogs held a two point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but were unable to get stops down the stretch as Ohio State scored 24 points over the final ten minutes to clinch the win. TCU moved to 18-2 on the season with the loss and sit half a game back from Baylor for first in the Big 12.
Olivia Miles had an excellent game despite the loss with 24 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. Miles consistently draws the top perimeter defender from opposing teams but is still averaging a career high 19.3 points per game on nearly 50% shooting from the field. The aspect of her game that stood out the most against the Buckeyes was the ability to draw contact and get to the free throw line, as she made 11 of 12 shots from the stripe on Monday. Taylor Bigby started in place of Maddie Scherr and excelled in her expanded role with 14 points, four rebounds and one assist. Bigby knocked down four of six shots from deep against the Buckeyes and did not record a turnover in 34 minutes of action. Clara Silva was the third Horned Frog in double figures with 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks. The Kentucky transfer has turned into a reliable paint scorer and shot blocker for the Frogs, scoring at least ten points in nine of her last ten games. Veronica Sheffey saw extended action off the bench and provided solid minutes for the Horned Frogs with nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
TCU had a solid game shooting the ball, making 40% of their shots from the field and 32% of their shots from three. The Horned Frogs did a good job moving the ball as they racked up 16 assists as a team. TCU led Ohio State in offensive rebounds with 15 offensive boards compared to just 11 from the Buckeyes. However, turnovers were once again a major problem as TCU had 20 turnovers as a team leading to 18 points off turnovers for Ohio State. TCU had been winning despite turnovers in recent games, but against opponents with comparable talent, mistakes like these led to losses, as they did against Ohio State. TCU led for 72% of the game, but was unable to come away with a win largely due to costly turnovers down the stretch. Additionally, TCU needs more aggressiveness in paint scoring from players outside of Olivia Miles. Miles was the only Frog to attempt a free throw on Monday as TCU players need to look for opportunities to drive when the three point shot is not falling.
TCU played a solid game defensively, holding a prolific Ohio State offense to just 71 points and 39% shooting from the field. The Buckeyes average over 85 points per game and holding them to just over 70 points despite the numerous scoring opportunities off turnovers should have been a recipe for a TCU win.
The Horned Frogs will look to get back into the win column on the road on Saturday at 1:00 pm against UCF. The Knights have struggled to start this season with a record of 2-6 in Big 12 play and 10-9 overall. One player to watch for the Knights is guard Leah Harmon who is averaging 16.1 points per game and scored 38 points against Kansas a few weeks ago.
