Hailey Van Lith Powers TCU to Victory Over Brown

In a commanding display of basketball, Hailey Van Lith and the No. 11 TCU women’s basketball team triumphed over Brown with a decisive score of 79-47. This victory marked the final nonconference game of the 2024-25 women's college basketball season, held at the Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 29.

Game Overview

Van Lith, a 5-foot-9 transfer from LSU, had a significant impact on the game, accumulating 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals in just 31 minutes. Despite missing several shots, going 7 of 18 from the field and 1 of 6 from beyond the arc, her ability to contribute in various aspects of the game was instrumental for TCU’s 13-1 season record up to that point.

First Half Performance

Hailey Van Lith got off to a strong start, scoring six points along with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in the first quarter. This early effort helped TCU establish a 17-14 lead. As the game progressed into the second quarter, she added another two points and one rebound, concluding the first half with eight points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, allowing TCU to maintain a 34-25 advantage.

Dominance in the Third Quarter

The turning point came in the third quarter, where Van Lith showcased her playmaking abilities. She tallied six points and played a vital role in leading TCU to outscore Brown 24-11 during this period. Her excellent court vision led to two assists and she nabbed another steal, allowing the Horned Frogs to extend their lead to 58-36.

Closing the Game

In the final quarter, Van Lith managed to make her only 3-pointer of the match, increasing TCU's lead to 69-38. She contributed two additional assists and one steal before coach Raegan Pebley pulled her for the last minutes of the game, confident in TCU's dominating performance.

Supporting Cast

Alongside Van Lith, Madison Conner played a crucial role in the victory, netting 14 points and performing strongly from the 3-point line, going 4 of 8. Other notable performances came from Taylor Bigby, who scored 11 points, and Sedona Prince, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three blocks. Notably, TCU dominated the rebounding battle with a remarkable 54-28 advantage, showcasing their physicality on both lines.

TCU's defense was relentless throughout the match, limiting Brown to a mere 29.8% shooting accuracy and forcing them into 11 turnovers. This strong defensive effort was a key component in their victory, allowing them to execute their game plan effectively.

Next Steps for TCU

With this victory, the Horned Frogs are poised to enter Big 12 play full of momentum, as they prepare to face Colorado on January 1. Hailey Van Lith's performance against Brown reaffirms her pivotal role in TCU's aspirations for the season.

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Final Stats

In conclusion, Hailey Van Lith’s impactful performance and the collective efforts of her teammates cements TCU’s reputation as a fierce contender this season. Keep an eye on the Horned Frogs as they head into a crucial phase of their schedule!