TCU faces tall task in taking on powerful Baylor front line

The all-time series between Baylor and the TCU women hasn’t been the most competitive over the years.

Going back to the two programs’ first meeting in 1983, Baylor holds a 27-5 advantage over the Horned Frogs. In those 32 games, Baylor has outscored TCU 2,522-2,085, a difference of 437 points.

TCU’s fourth-worst scoring performance ever, 35 points, came at the hands of the Lady Bears in 2013.

With only six programs TCU has faced more, it’s a historic series, however, and coach Raegan Pebley’s first trip to the Ferrell Center adds a new chapter.

In their first meeting on Jan. 27, Baylor (25-1, 14-0 Big 12) exploited its size advantage in the paint, boasting five players standing 6-foot-2 or taller and owning a 60-24 points advantage in the paint at the University Recreation Center.

“Baylor did a great job of really winning in the paint,” Pebley said. “They got a lot of second-chance opportunities. We don’t see a lot of teams get more shot attempts than we do, and when that happens, it’s usually because of offensive rebounds.”

Since the second half of that game, however, 6-foot-6 Klara Bradshaw, 6-foot-3 Aiche Ndao, and 5-foot-10 Jada Butts have shown signs of excellent post play for TCU (15-10, 7-7 in Big 12), which could bring a different look to the rematch.

With wins already over ranked teams Texas and Oklahoma State this season, a seemingly impossible upset of Baylor on Saturday would do wonders for TCU’s outlook in postseason play as well as internal building for a program that sets the bar high.

“They’re a great team,” Pebley said. “Baylor is a great team, but we really believe in what we are, too, and what we’re growing to be.”

This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 5:47 PM with the headline "TCU faces tall task in taking on powerful Baylor front line."