TCU Women Stun NC State in Road Victory

(Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by critical third-quarter execution, the Texas Christian Lady Frogs remained undefeated, handing the North Carolina State Wolfpack a 69-59 loss in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

A crowd of 5,500 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, watched as the visiting Lady Frogs improved to 4-0 on the young season, while the Wolfpack fell to an even 2-2.

The game was not an offensive showcase, with both teams struggling to find consistent scoring rhythm. Texas Christian ultimately prevailed by clamping down defensively in the pivotal third period and relying on a dominant performance from its international frontcourt. The Lady Frogs shot 43 percent from the floor, converting 26 of 61 attempts, while North Carolina State was held to a frigid 33 percent, making just 23 of 69 shots.

The contest was tightly contested through the first half. Texas Christian held a narrow 15-13 lead after a first quarter characterized by early misses and physical play. The Lady Frogs expanded their advantage slightly before halftime, outscoring the Wolfpack 21-18 in the second quarter to take a 36-31 lead into the break.

The narrative of the game shifted decisively in the third quarter. The Texas Christian defense intensified, stifling the North Carolina State offense and holding the Wolfpack to a mere nine points in the period. Meanwhile, the Lady Frogs’ offense, while not explosive, managed to put up 20 points, effectively building the cushion they would need to withstand a late push. A key sequence featured back-to-back three-pointers from Donovyn Hunter and Marta Suárez, stretching the lead and forcing a North Carolina State timeout. The period ended with Texas Christian in command, leading 56-40.

North Carolina State did not go quietly, mounting a spirited comeback effort in the final frame. The Wolfpack outscored the Lady Frogs 19-13 in the fourth quarter, fueled by increased defensive pressure and timely shooting. A three-pointer from Tilda Trygger, assisted by Destiny Lunan, cut the deficit to single digits with just over four minutes remaining. Later, another triple from Lunan brought the score to 68-58 with just over two minutes left, applying significant pressure on the visitors.

However, the Lady Frogs managed the game effectively down the stretch. Key defensive stops, including a steal by Olivia Miles in the final seconds, and clutch free throws from Miles in the closing moments sealed the victory, preventing the Wolfpack from ever getting within one possession in the final minutes.

The individual story of the game was the spectacular play of Texas Christian’s Marta Suárez. The 6-foot-3 forward from Oviedo, Spain, was the game’s leading scorer and its most efficient offensive weapon. She finished with a game-high 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc, while also contributing two blocks and a steal in 40 minutes of action.

She was complemented superbly by Olivia Miles, a 5-foot-10 guard from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and a remarkable 14 rebounds. Miles also dished out five assists, showcasing her all-around floor game. The Lady Frogs’ interior presence was further bolstered by Clara Silva, a 6-foot-7 center from Faro, Portugal, who added her own double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, alongside two blocks.

For North Carolina State, Tilda Trygger, a 6-foot-6 post from Stockholm, Sweden, led the way with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Destiny Lunan of Goodyear, Arizona, provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, all in the second half, while Zoe Brooks from Plainfield, New Jersey, filled the stat sheet with six points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

The game was a battle of efficiency, with Texas Christian scoring 99.0 points per 100 possessions compared to North Carolina State’s 82.9. The Wolfpack won the turnover battle, committing only nine to the Lady Frogs’ 13, and held a slight edge in offensive rebounds, 13-10. However, they were unable to overcome their poor shooting afternoon, particularly from the free-throw line where they converted just 7 of 13 attempts. Texas Christian was more efficient from the charity stripe, making 10 of 12.

The result defied the pregame statistical projections, which heavily favored North Carolina State to win on its home court. The combined point total of 128 also fell under the betting over/under line of 134.5, underscoring the defensive nature of the contest.

Texas Christian, which has won its first four games by an average of over 40 points, now looks ahead to a home game against Tarleton State on Thursday, November 20. North Carolina State will seek to return to the win column when it hosts Coastal Carolina on Wednesday, November 19.