Jayhawks’ Chaotic Finish, 3-Point Struggles Lead to 79-77 Loss against TCU
The Kansas Jayhawks faced a challenging game against the No. 12 TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite a resilient effort, the Jayhawks fell short, losing 79-77. This defeat marked their seventh loss in conference play.
Key Performers in the Matchup
Freshman forward Jaliya Davis shone for Kansas, scoring 29 points and grabbing nine rebounds. This performance marked her eighth 20-point game in just nine conference matches. Junior guard S’Mya Nichols contributed significantly as well, adding 24 points.
Game Flow and Critical Moments
- Tours started poorly for Kansas, recording three turnovers in the initial minutes while TCU quickly established a 9-0 lead.
- Despite Kansas narrowing the gap to 35-27 before halftime, TCU maintained a solid lead, going into the half ahead 45-37.
- The second half saw both teams trading scores, with the Jayhawks closing the gap multiple times.
As the game approached its conclusion, a crucial sequence unfolded. With just 5.2 seconds remaining, Nichols hit a three-pointer, prompting questions regarding the game clock. After a review, officials adjusted the time to 1.2 seconds.
Controversial Ending
In a frantic finish, Kansas forced a turnover and got the ball back with 0.6 seconds left. Senior forward Lilly Meister launched a near-halfcourt pass to Davis, who seemingly scored as time expired. However, officials ruled the shot invalid.
In the ensuing review, a foul was called on TCU, leading to another delay but ultimately ending without a Kansas tie. The Jayhawks experienced a frustrating close to the match, exacerbated by their poor three-point shooting, finishing only 2-for-12, while TCU excelled at the arc, hitting 10 of 20 attempts.
Coaching Perspective
Kansas Head Coach Brandon Schneider acknowledged his team’s slow start but praised their perseverance. “I’m proud of our group for their resilience and fight,” he stated in a press release.
Upcoming Challenges
The Jayhawks (13-9, 3-7) will look to regroup as they head back to Lawrence, preparing for their next match against the Colorado Buffaloes on Sunday at 2 p.m.
