The University of Arizona women’s basketball team (10-7, 1-5 in Big 12) was defeated 78-62 by No. 10 Texas Christian University (18-1, 6-1 in Big 12) on Saturday, Jan. 17 in Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Playing without their leading scorer, Mickayla Perdue who averages 17.1 points per game, the Wildcats struggled to keep up with the Horned Frogs’ potent offense.

This victory marked the 37th consecutive home win for the TCU Horned Frogs.

Key Players

Arizona guard Sumayah Sugapong was the top scorer of the game with 17 points and contributed three steals, disrupting TCU’s offense throughout the game. Graduate guard Noelani Cornfield played a key role as the team’s primary facilitator, recording five assists. Off the bench, junior center Achol Magot nearly posted a double-double, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.

TCU showcased a balanced offensive attack with five players scoring double figures. Olivia Miles, the Horned Frogs’ primary ball handler and facilitator, aggressively distributed the ball and paced her team with 16 points. Sophomore center Clara Silva also made a significant impact, recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

First Half

The Wildcats got on the board first with free throws from Sugapong, but TCU quickly responded with a wide-open 3-pointer from Maddie Scherr to take the lead. Blessing Adebanjo provided an early spark for Arizona, hitting a jumper and then making a steal. The first quarter was closely contested, with both teams settling for jump shots and trading baskets.

TCU leaned heavily on Miles to generate offense, but Arizona’s defense forced her to pass out to perimeter shooters who struggled from deep. Despite this, Miles set up two key first quarter threes, one each for Scherr and Veronica Sheffey, allowing TCU to end the quarter in the lead, 17-15.

Arizona started the second quarter strong, with Tanyuel Welch sinking an 11-foot jumper, followed by an Adebanjo layup and a Cornfield 3-pointer. Magot made an immediate impact off the bench, powering through contact for a layup. Cornfield added a two point jumper, pushing Arizona’s lead to 30-23, their largest of the game.

However, TCU closed the gap before halftime, thanks to a Sheffey 3-pointer and a transition layup by Taylor Bigby, cutting Arizona’s lead to 30-28 at the break. The Wildcats matched TCU’s physicality and intensity but faced a close battle as the teams headed into the second half.

Second Half

TCU came out strong after halftime, with Bigby knocking down a 3-pointer on the opening possession. Miles followed with a layup, giving TCU a 34-30 lead less than a minute into the third quarter. Arizona briefly regained the lead after a pair of layups and a free throw, moving ahead 35-34.

The Horned Frogs then tightened up their defense, forcing turnovers and limiting Arizona’s offensive opportunities. Miles hit a step back 3-pointer, igniting an 11-2 TCU run that put them ahead 45-37 with three and a half minutes left in the third quarter. The teams traded baskets as TCU aimed to control the game’s tempo heading into the fourth quarter.

Trailing entering the final period, Arizona needed a spark, but TCU quickly extended their lead with a Silva layup and a Donovyn Hunter 3-pointer, pushing the advantage to double digits at 60-48. Arizona’s offense stalled, committing four straight turnovers that led to easy points for TCU, who took command for the remainder of the contest. 

TCU sealed the win with another layup by Silva, closing out a 78-62 victory on the strength of their physical play and high-pressure defense. The Wildcats continued to struggle offensively without their top scorer.

Looking Ahead

Arizona will look to rebound against the University of Kansas at McKale Center on Tuesday, January 20. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.

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