TCU’s Olivia Miles Shines in Big 12 Win Over Kansas State

The No. 9 TCU Horned Frogs women’s basketball team made a loud statement in their Big 12 Conference title defense, taking down Kansas State 77-55. Watching this game, you couldn’t miss TCU’s offensive firepower and relentless defense. The mix of seasoned players and new transfers just clicked.

Olivia Miles, Marta Suarez, and Clara Silva all had standout moments. TCU reminded everyone why they’re a real threat in college basketball.

TCU’s Dominant Performance

TCU shot an impressive 51% from the floor and 38% from the three-point line. They dominated the boards too, outrebounding Kansas State 43-30.

After a tight first quarter, TCU surged ahead in the third, outscoring Kansas State 20-11. The Wildcats just couldn’t keep up with that balanced attack.

Key Players and Their Impact

Plenty of Horned Frogs made their mark in this one:

• Olivia Miles: The Notre Dame transfer fit right in with TCU’s style. She finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Her ability to shoot, drive, and set up teammates stood out all night.
• Marta Suarez: Suarez, another big transfer, has bumped her scoring up by six points from last year. She dropped 20 points and eight rebounds, doing a lot of damage as an off-ball forward.
• Clara Silva: Silva, who draws some Sedona Prince comparisons, posted a double-double: 14 points and 10 rebounds. Her versatility and passing made a real difference.
• Donovyn Hunter: Hunter wasn’t quite as explosive this time but still hit 41.4% from the arc, up seven percent from last year. She’s always a threat from deep.

Coach Mark Campbell’s Strategy

Coach Mark Campbell stressed the value of consistency and teamwork. He pointed out that strong teams come out hard after halftime and keep the energy high.

Campbell liked how his squad shared the ball, racking up 20 assists in the game. You could see that unselfishness in their play.

Challenges and Adaptations

Kansas State, still rebuilding, couldn’t find answers for TCU’s offense. They tried switching on screens to slow down Olivia Miles, but she just took advantage of the one-on-one matchups.

Without a true center, Kansas State had no answer for Clara Silva inside. TCU took full advantage.

The Road Ahead for TCU

TCU now gets an 11-day break, which should help them rest up—especially with center Kennedy Basham nursing an ankle injury. The bench didn’t contribute much early on, but Coach Campbell isn’t too worried.

He’s more focused on the team’s ability to move the ball and create chances, and you can see why.

Home Court Advantage

Schollmaier Arena has turned into a real fortress for TCU. They’re riding a 34-game winning streak at home.

Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie admitted it’s tough for visitors at TCU. He pointed to their balanced attack and the way they can score both inside and from deep. It’s hard to argue with that.

Conclusion

TCU’s win over Kansas State really showed off their strength as a team. Both veteran players and new transfers made big plays throughout the game.

The Horned Frogs have set a high bar for the Big 12 Conference. Their mix of experience, skill, and gutsy coaching makes them tough to beat.

If you want more details about this game or TCU’s season, check out the full article here.