Hailey Van Lith Powers TCU to Program’s First Elite Eight with 26-Point Masterclass

March 30, 2025 – Fort Worth, TX

The Schollmaier Arena crowd erupted as the final buzzer sounded on TCU’s 71-62 victory over Notre Dame, cementing the Horned Frogs’ first Elite Eight appearance in program history. Transfer guard Hailey Van Lith delivered a career-defining performance with 26 points, 5 assists and 4 steals, shooting 10-of-18 from the field including four crucial three-pointers.

**Game-Changing Performance**
Van Lith took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of her 26 points while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the final minutes. Her +22 plus/minus rating in 38 minutes underscored her complete dominance.

“This moment is why I chose TCU,” Van Lith told reporters postgame. “Coach Campbell believed we could build something special here. Tonight wasn’t about me – it’s about every player who helped build this program.”

**Defensive Dominance**
TCU’s defense stifled Notre Dame all night, holding the Irish to 39% shooting while forcing 18 turnovers. Center Sedona Prince anchored the paint with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, limiting Notre Dame’s All-American forward Kylee Watson to just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

“We studied their tendencies all week,” said TCU guard Jaden Owens, who recorded 3 steals. “Our game plan was to build a wall against their drivers and make them uncomfortable. When we defend like that and Hailey gets hot, we’re a tough out.”

**Historic Team Effort**
The Horned Frogs made history with several key achievements:
– First Elite Eight appearance in program history
– Outrebounded Notre Dame 36-28 including 12 offensive boards
– Converted 18 Irish turnovers into 22 points
– Held Notre Dame 15 points below their season average

**Texas Awaits in Elite Eight**
TCU now prepares for a Lone Star State showdown against top-seeded Texas on Monday night. The Longhorns advanced with a 67-59 win over Tennessee behind Madison Booker’s 21-point, 7-assist performance.

“They’re big, they’re talented, and they’ve got Booker,” Van Lith said of their next opponent. “But we’ve got heart and momentum. In March, that combination can be dangerous.”

**Tournament Notes**
– UConn’s Paige Bueckers scored 24 in an 82-59 rout of Oklahoma
– USC freshman Juju Watkins dropped 28 in their 67-61 win over Kansas State
– Defending champion South Carolina remained undefeated with a 71-67 win over Maryland

Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey gave credit where it was due: “TCU wanted it more tonight. That’s the reality of March basketball.”

As the Horned Frogs prepare for their biggest game in program history, Van Lith’s message was simple: “Why not us?” With their star guard playing at an elite level and the team peaking at the perfect time, TCU’s magical March run might just have more surprises in store.