Going into the game without being 100% and then dealing with not getting calls on her drives, Hailey Van Lith stayed composed and helped TCU secure a win over Colorado. The No. 11 Horned Frogs improved to 14-1 (2-0 Big 12) with the 63-50 victory over the Buffaloes (10-3, 1-1) on Wednesday night.
Van Lith showed her versatility and determination despite the circumstances, totaling 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. In the postgame conference, she discussed her mindset of not letting the lack of foul calls frustrate her.
"That's not really in my control at the end of the day," Van Lith said (4:25). "It's tough, it's tough because also, when you're not getting calls, ultimately it becomes a bad shot if they can foul you and you're not going to get to the free throw line.
"So there becomes a balance of also having to adjust and not just keep going downhill because I'm not getting calls ... but also I am skilled at finishing through contact, so that's something that I do well. So even if I am getting fouled and I'm not getting calls, I don't necessarily shy away from it.
"If they're not going to call it then you can't just keep running your head into the wall and expect a different outcome."
Hailey Van Lith drew five foul calls against Colorado, but there were times when she expected a whistle and did not get one.
Hailey Van Lith talks about playing through sickness
Despite dealing with food poisoning the day before the game, TCU's Hailey Van Lith played 35 minutes and provided a solid stat line in the Horned Frogs' Big 12 win over Colorado.
"It's not easy, especially with my role on the team. But at the end of the day, the other team doesn't care that I was sick," Van Lith said postgame regarding her decision to suit up (1:26). "So, it was a tough game for me, and I just had to figure out what I could do to help us ultimately get the win ... So, I'll take that over any other outcome."
Hailey Van Lith is one of the key reasons, TCU is enjoying one of its best starts to a season in program history. With the win, the Horned Frogs are 14-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.
The 5-foot-9 guard is first on the team in scoring, averaging 18.6 points per game, and also in assists, with 6.2 per contest. The Horned Frogs take on the Cincinnati Bearcats next on Saturday as they continue the Big 12 slate before facing Kansas on the road.
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