TCU Downs No. 18 WVU Women’s Basketball, 65-53

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Baylor Bears’ hopes for an outright share of the Big 12 title took a hit Sunday afternoon, falling to TCU 65-53 in a game defined by a brutal first-half shooting performance. While Baylor rallied in the second half, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, exposing a vulnerability that could prove costly as the conference tournament approaches. This loss doesn’t just impact seeding; it raises questions about Baylor’s ability to consistently perform against top-tier competition when their offense falters.

Baylor entered the game with a legitimate shot at challenging Oklahoma for the Big 12 crown. However, this defeat, coupled with Oklahoma’s continued success, significantly diminishes those chances. The offensive struggles in the first half were particularly concerning. Baylor, typically a high-powered offensive team, looked uncharacteristically disjointed, missing open looks and struggling to find a rhythm. TCU, meanwhile, capitalized on Baylor’s cold shooting, establishing a double-digit lead that forced the Bears to play from behind for the majority of the game. The Horned Frogs’ Marta Suárez and Olivia Miles proved to be a difficult matchup, combining for 40 points and exploiting Baylor’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The second-half surge, led by Taliah Scott (17 points) and Marcayla Johnson (11 points off the bench), demonstrated Baylor’s resilience. However, consistent shooting woes from beyond the arc (5-for-27) ultimately hampered their comeback efforts. While Baylor forced 18 turnovers, they weren’t able to fully convert those opportunities into points, a critical factor in the outcome. The rebounding battle also favored TCU, giving them more second-chance opportunities and limiting Baylor’s offensive possessions.

The Forward Look

Baylor’s focus now shifts to the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament. Securing the No. 3 seed is a positive, but this loss serves as a stark reminder that they cannot afford slow starts in single-elimination play. The upcoming games will be a crucial test of their mental fortitude and their ability to adjust their offensive strategy. The key question is whether Baylor can consistently replicate the second-half intensity they displayed against TCU, and more importantly, address their shooting inconsistencies. A potential matchup against a team like Texas or Oklahoma State in the later rounds of the tournament will demand a far more complete performance than we saw in Fort Worth. Furthermore, this game could influence Baylor’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament, making each possession in Kansas City all the more critical. Expect Coach Kim Mulkey to emphasize offensive execution and rebounding in the practices leading up to the tournament, aiming to avoid a repeat of Sunday’s struggles.