TCU’s Hailey Van Lith Reaches Milestone in Upset Victory Over NC State

In a thrilling match on Sunday, Texas Christian University‘s (TCU) women’s basketball team clinched a narrow victory over No. 13 NC State, with a final score of 76-73. This win was significant not only for the team but also for TCU player Hailey Van Lith, who reached a milestone in her college basketball career.

Hailey Van Lith, in an emotional post-game locker room scene, learned she had achieved her first double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. This performance also allowed her to surpass 2,000 career points, making her one of only six active Division I players to reach that goal.

TCU coach Mark Campbell lauded Van Lith’s achievement, saying, «You’ve never done that in your life. Good job, kiddo.» He further praised her playmaking skills, acknowledging her 19 assists over the last two games. Encouraging Van Lith, Campbell added, «You are just getting started, kiddo.»

Reporting on her transformation from a scoring-focused shooting guard during her time at Louisville to a playmaker, Van Lith remarked after the game, «I’m kind of transforming into a new player. Before, I was like Hailey the scorer… Now I’m the playmaker.» Van Lith transferred to TCU after a challenging season at LSU, aiming for growth in her point guard abilities as preparation for potential WNBA prospects.

The game also highlighted Sedona Prince’s vital contributions to TCU’s victory, leading the team with 31 points and 16 rebounds. Prince’s performance marked a notable achievement, as no other Division I player has scored 31 points against a top-25 ranked opponent this season.

TCU’s victory was a historic one for the team, marking their first win over a ranked opponent and their first victory against a team that participated in the previous year’s Final Four. This triumph brings TCU’s season record to 4-0 as they prepare to face Incarnate Word on Thursday.

Meanwhile, NC State, who entered the season with high expectations, now faces a 2-2 record. Their season began with a defeat against No. 1 ranked South Carolina. The Wolfpack aim to rebound with their forthcoming match against Coastal Carolina.