Moore, Okonkwo lead TCU past UT-Arlington in second round of WNIT

Senior center Jordan Moore was back in business in posting 18 points and 14 rebounds and TCU shot 45 percent from the floor to defeat UT-Arlington, 71-54, in the second round of the WNIT at Schollmaier Arena on Saturday.

Moore’s outing was her 11th double-double of season and made her presence felt under the hoop as TCU outscored UTA, 44-18, in the paint. She finished 5 of 8 from the floor, including going 8 of 12 from the free throw line.

“We knew we were going to come out here and play really hard,” TCU head coach Raegan Pebley said. “But I thought our seniors played like seniors in this game and led us not just in the stat sheet, but in body language and the intangibles.”

Fellow TCU senior Amy Okonkwo had the hot hand as well finishing with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Lauren Heard flirted with a triple-double with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

“As a team we knew that there was a dip in our lead and us seniors knew we had to restore confidence in the younger players, so Jordan and I took it upon ourselves to make sure everyone is on the same page,” said Okonkwo.

Sun Belt Co-Player of the year Cierra Johnson led UTA with a game-high 23 points but the Horned Frogs held the Mavericks to 30 percent shooting from the field and 17 percent from beyond the arc.

The Horned Frogs will play the winner of Arkansas vs UAB. Date, time, and location will be announced following Sunday’s contest.