Baylor University’s women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge in the Big 12 Championship final on Sunday, where they battled against Texas Christian University (TCU) but came up just short with a final score of 64-59. This exciting game took place at the T-Mobile Center and had fans on the edge of their seats.
A Thrilling Match
The game was intense and filled with ups and downs. Baylor managed to tie the game at 57-57 with just a few minutes left on the clock, thanks to their determination and teamwork. Nettie Vonleh, one of Baylor’s star players, had a chance to score a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds, but it didn’t go in. Vonleh finished the game with an impressive 20 points, sharing the spotlight with TCU’s Hailey Van Lith, who also scored 20.
First Half Challenges
- In the first half of the game, Baylor struggled significantly, shooting only 26% from the field.
- Their challenging second quarter saw them scoring just eight points, which made catching up more difficult later on.
- Despite these obstacles, Baylor showed their fighting spirit by rallying strongly in the fourth quarter.
Notable Performances
- TCU’s Sedona Prince had a standout performance, racking up a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
- Baylor’s Sarah Andrews added 13 points to the scoreboard and contributed five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
- Kyla Walker played important minutes off the bench, helping with six points and six rebounds.
Looking Forward: NCAA Tournament on the Horizon
This loss marks Baylor’s third defeat to TCU this season, but the team is not backing down. Baylor’s basketball journey doesn’t end here; they are now setting their sights on the upcoming NCAA Tournament. With a current NET ranking of No. 15, the Bears have high hopes as they await the selections announced on March 16th.
Coach Kim Mulkey expressed her pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing Hard work and resilience. The Bears have had an impressive season, and this setback only makes them hungrier for success in the NCAA Tournament.
Baylor’s Prospects in the Tournament
Baylor women’s basketball is currently boasting a solid 27-7 record, and they have proven to be competitive in their games, maintaining a respectable No. 15 ranking in the NET. The team features key players like Aaronette Vonleh and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who have consistently performed throughout the season. ESPN has projected Baylor as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would grant them the advantage of hosting the first two rounds in Waco.
The anticipation builds as fans are eager to see how the Bears will perform in the tournament, especially with their promising roster and coaching staff leading the way.