"Got smacked in the face a little bit": TCU star Madison Conner reflects on facing Dawn Staley's South Carolina after 33pt Game vs Samford
Following their Dec. 8 loss to the defending champions, South Carolina, the TCU Horned Frogs rebounded with their second straight win, fueled by Madison Conner's remarkable 33-point performance.
Conner shot 10 of 21 from the field, including 8 of 16 from the 3-point line, while four other players also scored in double digits, leading to a commanding 103-64 victory over the Samford Bulldogs yesterday.
In the post-game interview, Madison highlighted the team's focus on their strengths and efficient ball-sharing against the Bulldogs, a key aspect missing against South Carolina. She praised the Horned Frogs' resilience and ability to bounce back.
"I think that was a huge game for us, just kind of seeing where we're at and we kind of got smacked in the face a little bit," Connor said (2:00). "So, you have to respond after that. And I feel like we're very mature and old team and our goals are to be in South Carolina when it comes March."
"So, we know what it has, what it takes to get there now that we've seen it and we know the things that we have to work on. We got exposed in that game, so I feel like this week of practice, we were just really dialed in on the little details and things that we didn't do against South Carolina."
Madison Conner talks about playing off Hailey Van Lith
Madison Conner and Hailey Van Lith each average more than 30 minutes of action while attempting at least 11 shots per game. They generate more than 40% of the Horned Frogs' 82.1 points per game. Conner attributes the success of their partnership to their contrasting playstyles:
"She can score at all three levels, she's a great passer, she plays defense, she plays with a ton of passion," Conner said (8:50). "So, I feel like everybody kind of bounces off that. She just brings a ton of energy. I feel like our connection, we do different things. We have very different play style."
"So, I feel like that helps both of us out, we both are doing different things, not trying to do the same thing, we have different games, we have different gifts, so it's awesome to play off of her."
Hailey Van Lith is an all-around scorer with unique playmaking abilities. In her senior year with the Frogs, she is displaying her leadership on the court by averaging over six assists per game.
5-foot-11 Conner is primarily a shooter with a reputation for her deep 3-point range. Her quick release and excellent off-ball movement make her a formidable long-range threat and a perfect complement to Van Lith’s style.