TCU goes for eighth straight against Texas

Early in its current seven-game win streak, the TCU women’s basketball team upset then No. 7 Texas at Schollmaier Arena.

The No. 22 Horned Frogs’ 79-77 win over the Longhorns was an early signal that the team was capable of much more than their 2-3 league record at the time.

For Jordan Moore, it was a New Year’s Day loss at Kansas that was a turning point.

“We lost to KU, we thought we can actually beat these teams we’re not supposed to lose against,” Moore said. “We can do more than we think we’re capable of.”

Part of the winning formula includes a more physical style of play and toughness, which is something coach Raegan Pebley has pushed going back to spring practice.

That includes practice scrimmages with no fouls being called, a serious weight-lifting regiment and a dedication to toughness — both physical and mental.

“The players really have embraced it,” Pebley said. “It was just like here’s the challenge today. And they rose to the challenge.”

Running the win streak to eight won’t be easy. Texas (17-4,8-2 in the Big 12) is coming off a 14-point win over Kansas.

The Frogs (16-5, 7-3) are coming off a 23-point victory at Iowa State. ESPN Gameday will be on hand in Austin for the men’s game later that afternoon against Oklahoma. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte (formerly of TCU) is encouraging fans to arrive early for the women’s game.

“That other stuff is for Texas to worry about. We know it’s hard to sweep anybody in this conference but you have to treat it like it’s the first time you’ve played each other,” Pebley said.

This story was originally published February 2, 2018 at 6:20 PM with the headline "TCU goes for eighth straight against Texas."