TCU Defeats Kansas State in Big 12 Tournament Semifinal, Advances to Championship Game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – No. 10 TCU advanced to the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game, defeating Kansas State 74-62 in a semifinal matchup on . The Horned Frogs, the regular-season champions, will face either No. 15 West Virginia or Colorado on , seeking to repeat as tournament champions.
Kansas State’s unexpected run through the tournament, marked by upsets as the No. 12 seed, came to an end despite a spirited performance. The Wildcats became the first 12th-seeded team to reach the tournament semifinals in Big 12 history.
TCU pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Kansas State 24-16, and maintained control in the fourth. Senior forward Marta Suarez led the Horned Frogs with 22 points and 11 rebounds, delivering a dominant performance that included 14 points in the pivotal third period. Olivia Miles added 18 points and eight rebounds for TCU.
For Kansas State, Jordan Speiser led the scoring with 16 points, while Nastja Claessens contributed 14 points and four rebounds. Despite the loss, the Wildcats’ tournament journey was notable for its resilience and unexpected success.
The game saw a contrasting style of play. TCU controlled the boards 27-12 and outscored Kansas State 16-8 in the paint. However, Kansas State disrupted TCU’s rhythm with 12 turnovers forced, converting those into 11 points – a significant advantage that ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome TCU’s offensive strength and rebounding dominance.
The first half was closely contested, with Kansas State taking a narrow 33-32 lead into the break. Speiser and Claessens led the Wildcats’ scoring in the first half, while Suarez paced TCU with eight points. Kansas State’s early success was built on defensive pressure and forcing turnovers, while TCU relied on its size and inside presence.
TCU’s surge in the third quarter proved decisive. Suarez’s scoring burst, combined with improved shooting, allowed the Horned Frogs to establish a lead they would not relinquish. Kansas State struggled to find consistent offense in the face of TCU’s defensive adjustments.
The Wildcats’ tournament run had been characterized by dramatic comebacks and unexpected victories. They had previously upset Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, showcasing a remarkable ability to overcome adversity. However, against the top-seeded TCU, their Cinderella story reached its conclusion.
Despite the loss, Kansas State’s performance suggests a program on the rise. While unlikely to secure an NCAA Tournament berth, the Wildcats are expected to be considered for a second-tier postseason tournament.
TCU’s victory sets the stage for a championship showdown against either West Virginia or Colorado. The Horned Frogs will aim to secure back-to-back Big 12 Tournament titles, solidifying their position as a leading force in women’s college basketball.
The game was played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.