TCU women’s basketball returns to Schollmaier Arena with a 42-game home win streak and a tricky NCAA Tournament opener against upset-minded UC San Diego.
TCU women’s basketball is back on its own floor for the NCAA Tournament, and that’s a problem for anyone walking into Schollmaier Arena.
The Horned Frogs, a No. 3 seed with a 29-5 record, open March Madness against UC San Diego on Friday in Fort Worth, carrying a blistering 42-game home winning streak and the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing your building has become a nightmare for visitors.
Still, this isn’t a free pass.
UC San Diego enters at 24-8 and brings a defense that can turn games ugly in a hurry. The Tritons force nearly 20 turnovers per game and lean on a disruptive backcourt led by Makayla Rose, who averages 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.06 assists, and 3.18 steals per game.
Her 102 steals already set the program’s Division I single-season record. Inside, Erin Condron gives UC San Diego serious balance with 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, a 53.6 field-goal percentage, 10 double-doubles, and 42 blocked shots.
So yes, TCU has the bigger brand, deeper roster, and stronger resume. But the Tritons have enough bite to make this uncomfortable if the Frogs show rust.
That’s exactly what Mark Campbell has been trying to avoid during the layoff.
“This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, we brought in a referee crew and played on the Schollmaier, on the main court, and tried to get some game simulation reps and make sure we stay in a rhythm,” Campbell said. “And, so, I did not do that a year ago, added that to our routine this week, and hopefully that helps.”
He also hinted that TCU hasn’t spent the break standing still.
“Now that you've been together 10 months, it's fun, and you're able to add some stuff that you haven't done because they know our system,” Campbell said. “They know how to play out of it regardless of who's in there.”
That should matter for a roster loaded with postseason experience. Olivia Miles, Taylor Bigby, Donovyn Hunter, Maddie Scherr, Clara Silva, Natalie Mazurek, Marta Suarez, and Veronica Sheffey have combined for 33 NCAA Tournament games.
And with Fort Worth rocking again, TCU won’t just be playing for survival. It’ll be playing to remind the bracket that the road through Schollmaier is brutal.
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