TCU
4-1
Arizona
2-2
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCU | 18 | 15 | 11 | 24 | 68 |
| Arizona | 12 | 5 | 25 | 17 | 59 |
TCU Beats Arizona; Plays for Title Saturday
11/24/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- The TCU women's basketball team ot good news before the game, and the feeling continued throughout as the Frogs beat Arizona, 68-59, to open play at the Warner Center Marriott Thanksgiving Classic at The Matadome on Friday night.
TCU (4-1) found out before the game that sophomore transfer Jayde Woods had her eligibility waiver approved by the NCAA, and her presence was felt. The Yorba Linda, Calif., native recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals in her TCU debut.
Toree Thompson led the Frogs in scoring with 14 points, including a 6-of-6 effort at the free throw line. The Frogs other California native, Amy Okonkwo from Rancho Cucamonga, contributed 12 points off the bench. She has scored in double figures in every game this season.
The Frogs smothered Arizona (2-2) in the first half, holding the Wildcats to 17 points, including just five in the second quarter, for a 33-17 lead at the break. Arizona, however, stormed back in the second half, and actually took a lead before TCU closed the game on a 12-2 run to claim the victory.
Defining Moments
After TCU led by 16 at halftime, Arizona made 9-of-14 shots in the third quarter and closed the period on 14-2 run that got it within two, 44-42, with 10 minutes to play. The Wildcats would take their first lead early in the fourth quarter, and led as late as 3:01 remaining by a score of 57-56.
Two of Thompson's free throws gave TCU the lead for good, 58-57, with 2:31 remaining. From there, the Frogs defense forced a missed 3-pointer and back-to-back turnovers on Arizona's next three possessions. TCU would score on all three ensuing possessions to push its lead to seven points, 57-64, with 28 seconds remaining.
The Frogs iced the game at the free throw line as they hit 10-of-11 overall in the final quarter, including 8-of-8 in the final three minutes. In all, TCU ended the game on a 12-2 run over the final 2:31. In that span, the Frogs forced Arizona into three turnovers and two missed 3-pointers on six possessions.
Stats of the Game
17/16 -- For the fifth time in as many games this season, the Frogs posted more assists (17) than they did turnovers (16). By comparison, only SMU has accomplished that feat against the Frogs.
Quote of the Game
"I'm really happy with how we played that first half, and also how we managed their push back. But, we needed to do a better job in how we came out in that third quarter." -- Raegan Pebley
Up Next
The Frogs will face Idaho at 9:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in the tournament's championship game. The Vandals beat tournament host CSUN, 80-75, in Friday's later semifinal.
