Miles’ Triple-Double Powers TCU Past UCSD 86-40

Miles’ Triple-Double Powers TCU Past UCSD 86-40

FORT WORTH, TX – Olivia Miles put on a show for the home crowd, recording her sixth triple-double of the season to lead No. 3 seed TCU past UC San Diego 86-40 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Horned Frogs, playing in front of a passionate fanbase at Schmeer Arena, extended their incredible home winning streak to 42 games, the longest in college basketball. This dominant victory sends TCU to the Round of 32, where they will host their next game on Sunday.

Horned Frogs Dominate From the Start

TCU came out firing, hitting their first three shots from long distance. Their team-first approach was on full display early, with slick passing and strong finishes. Claraara Silva, the 6’7″ sophomore from Portugal, was a force in the paint, contributing with blocks and easy layups. The Horned Frogs showcased their offensive versatility, spreading the floor and working the ball inside-out. “This is what all coaches talk about. We’d love to drive and dish. We’d love to go inside out. All right. This is this at work right here,” an announcer noted about TCU’s impressive ball movement.

Big B was a key contributor for TCU, hitting multiple shots from beyond the arc and driving to the basket effectively. She finished the game with 27 points, leading all scorers. “Taylor Big B is on fire,” an announcer exclaimed as she continued to pour in points. “Big B’s hand is red hot. And they’re going to continue to find her.” The Horned Frogs’ ability to score from different spots on the floor made them a tough matchup for UC San Diego.

Miles Orchestrates the Offense

Olivia Miles was the engine of TCU’s offense, dishing out assists and controlling the tempo. Her court vision was exceptional, finding teammates with no-look passes and setting up easy scoring opportunities. “Miles is trying to make the Sports Center top 10. All 10 plays,” one commentator observed, highlighting her spectacular passes. By the end of the game, Miles had recorded 14 assists, setting a new program record and securing her triple-double. After achieving the historic feat, she was met with a standing ovation from the home crowd, a fitting tribute to her dominant performance.

“Sometimes you just run into an absolute monster and that monster is Olivia Miles today. She is on a mission as has this whole team been,” an announcer stated, emphasizing Miles’ impact. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways – scoring, passing, and rebounding – proved too much for the UC San Diego Tritons.

Tritons Fight But Fall Short

UC San Diego, the Big West champions, fought hard to keep pace with the high-powered Horned Frogs. Freshman Lev Feman showed flashes of brilliance, hitting tough shots and playing with confidence in her first NCAA Tournament game. “Fman too strong. And she is playing with some confidence though as a true freshman in her first NCAA tournament game,” a commentator noted. The Tritons also found success from three-point range at times, with Rosa Smith and Aaron Condrin knocking down crucial shots.

Despite their efforts, UC San Diego struggled to contain TCU’s offensive firepower and size. Claraara Silva’s presence in the paint was a constant challenge, as she recorded multiple blocks throughout the game. “Another block for Claraara Silva. Miles on the attack. Scoop layup. No, but Silva cleans up an easy one,” highlighted Silva’s defensive impact. The Tritons’ quest to upset one of the nation’s top teams ultimately fell short against a TCU squad playing at a high level.

Looking Ahead

With this decisive victory, TCU advances to the Round of 32, where they will host another game at Schmeer Arena. This marks the second consecutive 30-win season for the program, cementing their status as a force in women’s college basketball. The coaching staff, led by Mark Campbell, has built a program that consistently competes at the highest level, and this team has its sights set on a deep tournament run. The energy and support from the home crowd were palpable, and TCU will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup.

Source: Round of 64: UC San Diego Tritons vs. TCU Horned Frogs | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)