TCU Opens MWC Tournament Play Friday
3/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 9, 2011
GAME DAY INFORMATION (SEMIFINAL & FINAL ROUNDS)
TOURNAMENT NOTES 
| GAME NOTES | | LIVE RADIO | MWC CENTRAL
Las Vegas, Nev. • Thomas & Mack Center (18,500) • March 11 & 12 • 2:30 p.m. & 1 p.m. PT
TV: The Mtn. (Semis) & Versus (Final) • Talent: Ann Schatz (pxp), Andrea Lloyd (analyst),
Molly E. Sullivan (sidline)
Radio: KTCU (88.7 FM), gofrogs.com
Radio Talent: Jeff Williams (play-by-play), Jeff Lewis (analyst)
Internet (gofrogs.com): Free Live Radio, Live Stats
TCU Head Coach: Jeff Mittie (Missouri Western, `89)
Record: 259-124 in 12 years at TCU (410-183 overall)
Assistants: Brian Ostermann (Wis. La Crosse, `88), Tonya Benton (Baylor, `99)
Tricia Payne (TCU, `02)
Series Record vs. UNM: New Mexico Leads (9-8)
Last Meeting vs. UNM: Feb. 26, 2011 (TCU Win, 84-71)
UNM Head Coach: Don Flanagan (Fort Lewis, 1971) UNM Record: 340-167 (16th Year)
Horned Frog Quick Notes
• The Horned Frogs own two victories over teams ranked in the current AP Top 25: No. 21 Oklahoma and No. 22 Houston.
• TCU is the only school in the Mountain West Conference to win 11 games and post a top-3 finish each of the past six seasons.
• Senior Emily Carter has led TCU in scoring during 14 contests this season. She has scored over 20 points in 12 games and currently sits No. 34 in the NCAA in scoring and No 15 in the nation in free throw percentage.
• Helena Sverrisdottir is now the only player in program history to amass 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in a career.
• The Horned Frogs are 165-33 (.833) during the Jeff Mittie era when out-rebounding their opposition.
FORT WORTH, Texas - TCU begins postseason play Friday at 2:30 p.m. PT, when it takes to the court against No. 7 seed New Mexico in the semifinal round of the 2011 Conoco Mountain West Conference Women's Basketball Championships in Las Vegas. The squad's regular-season performance helped it earn two-straight byes as the tourney's No. 2 seed.
The Horned Frogs enter the week fresh off a solid conference season, as they went 13-3 and have won three-straight heading into competition Friday. The key to TCU's high finish was its 7-1 record at home. The squad is the only team with at least 11 MWC wins and a top-3 finish in each of the last six seasons. Overall, it has placed among the top-3 teams in the league now eight-straight years.
At stake this week is not only the team's first MWC tourney title, but also a spot in next week's NCAA Tournament. The Frogs will look to return to the Big Dance for the 10th time in 11 seasons.
The Last Meeting Between The Two Foes
On Feb. 26, Emily Carter and Helena Sverrisdottir both scored over 20 points in leading TCU to an 84-71 decision over New Mexico at the historic Pit.
The Frogs were led by Sverrisdottir who scored a game-high 24 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. Carter chipped in with 22 points, going 9-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 from behind the three-point arc.
The physical contest, which featured nine ties and nine lead changes, was played behind the three-point arc. The two teams combined to make 26 three's, which tied the previous MWC record for most combined triples made in a single-game.
The Frogs, who shot 54.5 percent from the field, went 12-of-21 from deep for 57.1 percent, which ranks No. 9 all-time in 3-point field goal percentage in a single-game in program history. By making 12 three's, TCU posted the fifth-most in school history in a single-game.
The UNM Series
TCU and UNM will be meeting for the 18th time in program history Friday. The Horned Frogs have won three out of the last five meetings, including winning at the PIT for only the second time in program history two weeks ago. New Mexico leads the series, 9-8. The two teams slit competition this season with the Lobos winning in Fort Worth 65-54 and the Frogs claiming an 84-71 decision in Albuquerque.
Scouting New Mexico
New Mexico comes into Friday's semifinal matchup with a 13-17 overall record after defeating No. 6 San Diego State and No. 3 Wyoming to open the tournament.
The Lobos, who have won three-straight, had four players in double figures in their 67-61 victory over Wyoming Wednesday night, including Amanda Best with 15, Jasmine Patterson who hit 14, Lauren Taylor with 13 and Jessica Kielpinski who added 11.
Patterson and Best have led the way for UNM this season, averaging 11.3 and 11.4 points, respectively. Best is also averaging 8.2 boards a contest and was a third team All-MWC selection.
A Closer Look At The 2011 Series With The Lobos
Last Game In Albuquerque (TCU Win, 84-71)
• UNM posted the second-most three's in a single-game against TCU in program history.
• By making 12 three's, TCU posted the fifth-most in school history in a single-game.
• The two teams combined to make 26 three's, which ties an MWC record for most combined three's in a single -game. TCU and Iowa State combined to make 26 three's earlier this year.
• TCU went 12-of-21 from deep for 57.1 percent, which ranks No. 9 all-time in 3-point field goal percentage in a single-game in program history.
First Game In Fort Worth (UNM Win, 65-54)
• TCU's 14 first half free throws made were a seasonal-high for a first period of play.
• The Frogs attempted 16 first half free throws, which is also a seasonal-high for a first half.
• Eight different players played double-digit minutes for TCU.
• UNM snapped TCU's then eight-game winning streak with a 65-54 decision at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.
• Sophomore Starr Crawford posted 16 points, while Emily Carter and Helena Sverrisdottir totaled nine points apiece, respectively.
A Closer Look At The MWC Championships
TCU owns a 2-5 record in the Mountain West Conference Championships during its five previous seasons as a member of the league. The squad reached the semifinals in the 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2009-10 seasons.
2005-06 (No. 4 seed): TCU won its first-round matchup with Wyoming (63-55) before falling in the quarterfinals to top-seeded BYU (53-63).
2006-07 (No. 4 seed): TCU was upset in the quarterfinals by No. 5 seed Utah, 68-67, on a running jumper in the lane by the Utes' Kalee Whipple with only 1.7 seconds remaining. The Frogs trailed by as many as 11 points during the second half before staging a late rally.
2007-08 (No. 2 seed): TCU won its opening matchup vs. No. 7 seed Air Force in the quarterfinals, 60-47, before dropping a tight semifinal contest to San Diego State (67-69).
2008-09 (No. 3 seed): TCU received a first-round bye before being upset by UNLV in the quarterfinals, 84-75.
2009-10 (No. 1 seed): TCU fell in the semifinals to No. 4 Utah, falling 69-57.
Experience Key
TCU returns seven players who have played in the MWC Championships, including Emily Carter and Helena Sverrisdottir, who have appeared in four games each.
• Helena Sverrisdottir: Averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds in four games ... top scoring game of 16 points and 13 boards in 2009 loss to UNLV.
• Emily Carter: Averaging 4.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in four games ... scored 11 points in 2009 loss to UNLV.
• Micah Garoutte: Averaging 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in three games ... top performance of 12 points, five rebounds and five blocks in 2008 semifinal loss to SDSU.
• Rachel Rentschler: Averaging 5.0 points in two games ... scored 8 points in 2009 loss to UNLV.
• Antoinette Thompson: Averaging 2.0 points ... has posted four points combined in two games.
• Starr Crawford: Scored six points and grabbed seven rebounds last season.
• Delisa Gross: Recorded three assists and also grabbed three rebounds in last season's semifinal loss to Utah.
The Last Time Out
Senior Emily Carter scored a game-high 24 points last Wednesday night as TCU rolled Air Force to close its regular-season at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, 88-51.
TCU did most of its damage down low, outscoring Air Force in the paint, 44-18. The Frogs, who dominated the Falcons to a tune of 41-28 on the glass, also forced Air Force into 23 turnovers, while recording a 33-9 advantage in points off turnovers. TCU's bench also got into the act, holding a 36-12 decision, while the Purple and White shot 53.3 percent from the floor, including a blistering 60 percent in first half on 18-of-30 shooting.
Carter netted 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep in her final game at the DMC. Fellow senior Helena Sverrisdottir was also solid in her final game, scoring 16 points on 4-of-8 from the field. Sophomore Starr Crawford chipped in with 13 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Briesha Wynn scored 10 points and added a career-high six assists.
Follow The Horned Frogs
TCU's Friday semifinal contest can be heard live on the radio throughout the Metroplex on 88.7 KTCU-FM with Jeff Williams and Jeff Lewis. A live stats feed is also available via GoFrogs.com. Fans wishing to view gametracker may do so by clicking on the link on the right side of the schedule page. Friday's semifinal game is also being shown live on The Mtn., with Ann Schatz (pxp), Andrea Lloyd (analyst) and Molly E. Sullivan (sideline) calling the game.
If TCU is to advance to Saturday's Championship matchup, the Horned Frogs game will be shown on Versus with Ted Robinson (pxp), Blaine Fowler (color) and Lindsey Soto (sideline) calling the contest.
TCU Represented Well On All-MWC Squad
Three TCU women's basketball players were among those who earned All-Mountain West Conference honors, the league office announced Monday. Senior's Helena Sverrisdottir and Emily Carter appeared on the All-MWC First Team, while sophomore forward Starr Crawford earned second team accolades.
• Sverrisdottir and Carter were each named first-team all-conference for a second-straight year, which is only the second time two Frogs earned such distinction in a single season.
• Crawford earned second-team accolades as well as all-defensive team honors, which is the second-straight season in which the Frogs have placed someone on the all-defensive squad.
• Sverrisdottir closed her MWC career, earning first team accolades three-straight years.
Where They Rank
This senior class currently ranks No. 5 all-time in wins for a class with 86 wins. The top-10 senior classes have all come during the Jeff Mittie era with the 2003-04 senior class leading the pack with 94 victories. If the Horned Frogs win Friday afternoon, they will move into sole possession of No. 5 all-time, surpassing both the 2008 and 2010 senior classes.
Triple The Trouble
In its final contest against Air Force, TCU saw Helena Sverrisdottir, Emily Carter and Starr Crawford all score in double-figures. When all three post double-digit scoring games its a good sign for TCU as the Frogs are 10-2 on the season, including 6-0 in MWC play. The Horned Frogs' only losses in the 12 games came at the hands of Virginia (55-59) and nationally ranked Georgia (57-60).
TCU Scoring Off Turnovers A Must
The Horned Frogs have won the points-off-turnovers battle 10 times during conference play. TCU's record when it scores more points-off-turnovers then its opponent, 10-0. During all three conference losses, the Frogs haven't. Overall, TCU's only victories when loosing the points-off turnovers battle have been to San Diego State, UNLV and Utah.
• The three losses : UNM (7-15), AFA (19-21), BYU (7-15).
Taking Care Of The Rock
Senior Helena Sverrisdottir, the MWC Player of the Week two weeks ago, has been steady with the ball in her hands as of late. Not only has she only had 11 turnovers, but the Iceland native has tallied 40 assists. She has also scored in double-figures in seven out of the last eight contests, including a 24-point performance against New Mexico.
Coming On Strong
TCU has won seven out of its last eight games and the Horned Frogs once again had a successful February as TCU has now only lost five times during the month since 2007-08.
Overall, the Horned Frogs, who posted a 6-1 February record this season, have closed the season strong during the month of February, combining to go 24-5 since 2007-08. Last season alone, the Frogs only lost one contest during the month, recording a 6-1 record, including opening the month on a four-game winning streak.
Scoring In The Paint Important For TCU Success
The Frogs outscored Air Force in the paint last Wednesday, 44-18, which now marks the seventh time in eight games in which TCU had dominated down low. During conference play, TCU has outscored its opponent down low in 12 of the 16 contests.
The four games in which the Frogs were either tied with or outscored by their opponent in the paint were BYU (14-30), New Mexico (18-24), Air Force (24-24) and BYU (18-20). TCU's record during those contests, 1-3, with the first meeting with BYU being the lone victory.
Gross Helps Frogs Find Victory
Delisa Gross has now scored in double figures eight times this season. During those contests, TCU is 6-2 overall with its only losses coming at the hands of Fresno State and Texas A&M. During her two years on campus, the Horned Frogs are an impressive 11-2 when Gross scores in double figures.
Holding Opponents Under The Norm
The Frogs have had some impressive numbers this season on the defensive end of the floor, which has led them to an 14-1 record when holding opponents under 59 points.
Dominating Defense
For the season, TCU has held six different opponents under 50 points. Upon further review, five out of the first eight MWC schools scored less then 50 points against TCU.
Mountain West Conference Success
During the last six seasons, the Frogs own a 72-24 all-time league record in the MWC and are the only team to record at least 11 wins in each of the past six seasons.
The 72-24 mark is currently the best record in the MWC during that span.
TCU captured its 13th conference win last Wednesday, which are the most since 2008. They are the only team to record at least 11 wins in each of the past six seasons.
Following NCAA Tournament Teams
Following its last four games against 2010 NCAA Tournament teams, TCU has done a nice job, going 5-0 in its next game. Overall, the Frogs have outscored their opponents during that time, 388-287.
Horned Frogs Sizzle With Starr
Since returning the Horned Frog lineup against Georgia, Starr Crawford has made her presence felt. The sophomore and preseason All-America candidate by Sporting News has posted double-digit scoring games in 13 out of the 17 contests, which has led TCU an 13-4 record. The Frogs have also out-rebounded their opponent during that stretch in five games with Crawford leading the way in boards during 14 of those contests.
• Crawford has led TCU in scoring seven times since returning.
• Crawford has led TCU in scoring five out of the last 11 games.
• Crawford was first in the MWC during conference play in steals (2.3), rebounds (10.0) and offensive boards (3.7).
Suffocating Defense
During the last 16 games, the Frogs have turned up their defensive pressure, which helped them run to a 13-3 record. During MWC play, opponents have shot 40 percent or lower in 13 out of the 16 games, including 12 out of the last 15. SDSU (40.4), UNLV (41), UNM (41.7) and CSU (51.1) were the lone MWC foes to shoot over 40 percent, respectively.
Even more impressive is the fact that during the Horned Frogs last 13 outings, TCU has shut down the opposition from deep. The Frogs have forced conference foes to go a combined 86-of-287 (.300) from behind the arc.
Hitting The Glass With Authority
TCU is 9-1 on the year when out-rebounding its opposition. Overall, the Horned Frogs are 165-33 (.833) during the Jeff Mittie era when out-rebounding its opposition, including 20-4 the last two seasons alone.
Headlines To Look At
When TCU takes to the court Friday, it will look to continue some impressive numbers. During the Jeff Mittie era, the Frogs are now 217-29 when leading at the half. TCU, who is 17-2 this season when leading at the half, is also 125-3 when leading by 10+ at the half.
Overall, when the Frogs score 80+ points in regulation, TCU is 77-1 under Mittie. The Frogs are also 165-9 when the opponent scores 60 or less, which has now happened 19 times this season.
Horned Frogs Continue To Impress In NCAA
Entering this week, the Frogs have done quite nicely among the nation's best. TCU ranks No. 28 nationally in free-throw percentage (.748), No. 42 in scoring margin (9.5), No. 94 in three-point field goals per game (6.1), No. 84 in three-point field goal percentage (33.8), No. 78 in scoring offense (68.4), No. 80 in scoring defense (58.9), No. 33 in Field Goal Percentage Defense (.361), No. 53 in Won-Lost Percentage (70.0), No. 80 in blocked shots (4.0), No. 65 in personal fouls per game (15.5), No. 75 in three-point field goal defense (.298), No. 49 in turnover margin (3.13), No. 47 in assist turnover ratio (0.92) and No. 28 in Turnovers Per Game (14.6).
Overall, the Frogs rank in the top 100 nationally in 14 different categories.
Individually, Emily Carter paces the Frogs', ranking No. 34 overall in scoring average with a 18.3 average. Fellow senior Helena Sverrisdottir is No. 93 in the nation in assists per game (4.3) and No. 72 in assist turnover ratio (1.61). Carter also sits No. 15 in free throw percentage (.877) and in the top-82 in 3-point field goals per game (2.1) and percentage (.363). Finally, sophomore Starr Crawford moved into No. 37 in rebounds per game (9.7).
TCU In The Mountain West Conference
After 30 games, the Horned Frogs sit No. 1 in free throw percentage (.748). The Frogs also rank in the top-2 in scoring offense (68.4), field goal percentage defense (.361) and turnover margin (+3.13).
Individually, Emily Carter sits No. 2 in the conference in scoring average (18.3), while also ranking No. 1 in free throw percentage (.877). Helena Sverrisdottir currently sits No. 5 in scoring (15.6) in the conference. She also ranks No. 3 in steals (1.9) entering Friday. Finally, sophomore Starr Crawford ranks No. 1 in rebounding (9.7) and offensive rebounds (3.4). She also sits No. 2 in defensive rebounds (6.3) heading into action Friday.
In conference only games, the Frogs rank No. 1 in turnover margin (+4.88). TCU ranks No. 2 in scoring defense (55.7), scoring margin (+8.9), free throw percentage (.766) and steals (8.8).
Carter sits No. 3 in scoring (16.3) and No. 4 in free throw percentage (.851), while Helena Sverrisdottir sits No. 8 in scoring (13.8) and No. 4 in assists (4.7). Crawford ranks No. 1 in rebounding (10.0) and offensive rebounds (3.7). She also sits No. 2 in defensive rebounds (6.3). The Frogs have also cleaned up in the steals department with league-leader Crawford (2.3) and Sverrisdottir (2.1) claiming the No. 3 spot.
Players Mentioned
