Kansas State Women’s Basketball Falls to TCU in Big 12 Opener

The Kansas State Wildcats began their journey in the Big 12 women’s basketball season with a challenging road loss against the TCU Horned Frogs, ending the game with a score of 77-55. The match took place at Schollmaier Arena on December 30, 2023, where the Wildcats faced a TCU team that is currently ranked nationally and boasts a remarkable 34-game home winning streak.

Kansas State relied on a solid performance from its core players, with junior guard Taryn Sides and sophomore forward Jenessa Cotton each contributing 10 points. However, the evening belonged to TCU’s graduate transfer guard Olivia Miles, who led all scorers with a commanding 29 points, showcasing her offensive prowess throughout the game.

The game started competitively, with Kansas State managing to hold the lead for over four minutes in the first quarter. Cotton was particularly effective early on, scoring six points. Despite their early momentum, the Wildcats struggled to maintain their advantage. A well-timed three-pointer from TCU’s Marta Suarez pushed the Horned Frogs ahead to a 29-17 lead, prompting a need for Kansas State to regroup.

As the first half concluded, Kansas State faced a 39-26 deficit, largely attributed to their shooting performance. The Wildcats managed only 32.3 percent from the field, while TCU thrived with a shooting efficiency of 56.7 percent.

Struggles in the Second Half

The turning point came in the third quarter, where Kansas State’s offensive flow diminished significantly. The Wildcats could only muster a shooting percentage of 27.8, allowing TCU to extend its lead to 59-37. Overall, Kansas State finished the game with a field goal percentage of 33.3 percent and a disappointing 17.4 percent from three-point range.

Despite the scoreline, Kansas State demonstrated resilience in the fourth quarter. They matched TCU in scoring, each team contributing 18 points to the period. The Wildcats improved their shooting efficiency to 42.9 percent during this time, narrowing the gap to 17 points three times midway through the quarter. However, a late 7-1 run by TCU helped secure their victory.

Notable individual performances included Brandie Harrod, who grabbed seven rebounds, marking her fifth game leading the team in that category this season. Gina Garcia also had an impressive outing, recording seven assists, her eighth career game with at least five.

Kansas State will look to rebound from this loss when they return to Bramlage Coliseum for their home Big 12 opener against Cincinnati on December 31, 2023, with tipoff scheduled for 13:00. Fans can take advantage of a New Year’s Eve ticket and concession special, and the first 500 attendees will receive a free hand fan. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and through the K-State Sports Network.

This opening game highlights the challenges ahead for Kansas State as they aim to improve upon their historical Big 12 record of 245-248. The Wildcats remain determined to build on their experiences and grow as they continue through the season.