Lady Frogs crack into Top 25 poll
TCU ranked No. 24 by the USA Today/ ESPN Coach’s Poll
Nathan Loewen
Assistant Sports Editor

The Frogs are 7-1 in Conference USA and broke into the Top 25 polls for the first time in program history at No. 24 according to the USA Today/ESPN Coach’s Poll released Monday.

David Dunai/ STAFF REPORTER Senior Ashanti Nix looks to make a pass in a Conference USA game. Nix and the Frogs captured two consecutive road games this past weekend to earn Top 25 honors for the first time in program history.

Despite the milestone, head coach Jeff Mittie said they still have a lot to prove.

The Frogs have been on the verge of cracking the Top 25 sitting at No. 26 for two consecutive weeks. They fell one vote short two weeks ago after the wins against Cincinnati and Louisville.

The Frogs are tied for first in C-USA standings with DePaul (13-7 and 7-1 C-USA).

“In the life of C-USA it is hard to get a win,” said Mittie. “So we will take a win whenever we get it.”

The Frogs came off a successful weekend winning both road games. TCU (17-4, 7-1 C-USA) beat South Florida (11-10, 2-6 C-USA) Friday night 69-54 and UAB (8-14, 1-7 C-USA) Sunday 68-64.

Sophomore Tiffany Evans scored a career-high 14 points on Sunday. Three other players were in double figures.

“I feel we have proven ourselves,” Evans said. “This conference is tough, any team can win. We’re getting back in rhythm.”

The Frogs have bounced back to win three consecutive road contests in C-USA after a loss to Charlotte 81-67 Jan. 24.

Freshman Sandora Irvin said that never should have happened.

“We shouldn’t have lost that game,” said Irvin. “It gave us motivation to come back and win.”

Mittie said they still want to improve.

“We’re on the right track,” said Mittie. “There is still a lot of basketball to be played in the season.”

TCU faced two opposite teams over the weekend, said Mittie.

“(South Florida) shoots the three-pointer well and rebounds poorly, and UAB shoots the three-pointer poorly and rebounds well.” he said.

Mittie said the defense has been steady and the offense has been lacking during the Frogs’ road trip.

“We are starting to execute the offense,” said Mittie “We are getting better ball movement and balance, but on defense we must stay on our toes.”

Irvin said that winning the C-USA Championships in Chicago is within the team’s reach.

“If we stay healthy, work hard and stay focused I think we will win the conference,” said Irvin.

Mittie said the team is focused on this weekend right now.

“The thing I like about this team is they work hard,” said Mittie. “They have fun with the challenge each game presents.”

The Frogs face Southern Mississppi(10-11 and 3-6 C-USA) 7p.m. Friday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

Nathan Loewen
n.d.loewen@student.tcu.edu

credits

TCU Daily Skiff © 2002