The No. 12 TCU Horned Frogs women’s basketball team narrowly defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 79-77 on January 29, 2026, in a Big 12 conference game that came down to the final seconds when Kansas failed to attempt a tying layup before time expired.
The game was played at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, with TCU improving their record to 20-2 overall and 8-1 in the Big 12, while Kansas fell to 13-9 and 3-7 in conference play. TCU never trailed throughout the contest, establishing an early lead with sharp three-point shooting. Olivia Miles led TCU with 20 points and six assists, supported by Donovyn Hunter’s 15 points, as the Horned Frogs hit 10 of 20 three-point attempts compared to Kansas’ 2 of 12.
Kansas mounted several comebacks, fueled by standout performances from freshman Jaliya Davis, who scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and S’Mya Nichols, who added 24 points. Davis’ 29 points marked the highest scoring by a freshman against a Top 25 team in Division I women’s basketball this season. The Jayhawks shot 50% from the field, matching TCU’s percentage, but struggled from beyond the arc.
In the first quarter, TCU exploded with six three-pointers and shot 68.8% to build a 30-17 lead. Kansas settled in offensively, but turnovers hindered their early efforts. The Jayhawks cut the deficit to six points in the second quarter and continued to press in the second half, with Davis and Nichols combining for key baskets.
The third quarter saw Kansas close within two points at 56-54 after a 6-0 run, but TCU responded with a 9-2 spurt to end the quarter leading 65-56. In the fourth quarter, Kansas again narrowed the gap to 67-65 with under four minutes left, but TCU’s timely scoring, including clutch free throws, kept them ahead.
With seconds remaining, TCU held a 79-74 lead after free throws. Nichols hit a three-pointer to make it 79-77, and TCU was called for an offensive foul, giving Kansas one last chance. However, the Jayhawks couldn’t get a shot off before the buzzer, sealing the victory for TCU. Statistically, Kansas made 19 of 24 free throws, while TCU hit 13 of 19, and turnovers were even at 15 each.
This win reinforces TCU’s position atop the Big 12 standings, tied with Baylor, and extends their home win streak. For Kansas, the loss ends a two-game winning streak, but head coach Brandon Schneider praised his team’s resilience and fight in the latter stages. The game highlights the competitive nature of the Big 12 conference, with both teams showcasing offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity.
Looking ahead, Kansas will return home to host Colorado on February 1, seeking to bounce back, while TCU aims to maintain their conference leadership in upcoming games. The close finish sets the stage for potential postseason encounters and underscores the depth of talent in women’s college basketball.
