In a stunning display of teamwork and determination, TCU guard Marta Suarez delivered a breathtaking 25-foot buzzer-beater to secure a narrow 51-50 victory over West Virginia, thanks to a pivotal off-ball screen set by Olivia Miles. This moment not only showcased the thrilling essence of college basketball but also brought TCU one step closer to solidifying their status among the top five teams in women's collegiate athletics.
On January 15, 2026, as the game clock ticked down and TCU grappled with yet another challenging possession, Olivia Miles—who is already projected to be a high lottery pick in the upcoming WNBA draft—executed a move that most stars would hesitate to make. She bravely drifted away from the ball, maneuvered into the paint, and established an off-ball screen that was crucial in disrupting the defense of West Virginia. This strategic play allowed Marta Suarez to gain a critical advantage at the arc.
Such a selfless act is indicative of not only trust in her teammates but also reflects the exceptional skills of one of the leading playmakers in college basketball. Just two seconds later, Suarez launched a three-pointer from beyond the arc just as the buzzer sounded, capturing the attention of Mountaineers fans who watched in disbelief. Despite struggling earlier in the game and missing her first five attempts from long range, Suarez’s clutch shot made all the difference. Miles exemplified the essence of playing within the team framework, helping the Horned Frogs clinch a hard-fought victory that, at times, seemed unlikely, as noted by the Mirror US.
Throughout the game, TCU faced significant challenges including a season-high total of 24 turnovers and being out-rebounded 39-33, along with experiencing a difficult scoring stretch that extended over both halves. Nevertheless, Miles contributed significantly, finishing the match with 14 points while maintaining composure amidst the chaos. Suarez concluded the game with 11 points and nine rebounds; her earlier struggles were overshadowed by her dramatic late-game heroics.
The thrilling climax unfolded when West Virginia managed to split free throws with just two seconds left on the clock. Following a quick timeout, Suarez re-entered the contest, the ball was passed, and she took her shot—all within a mere two seconds.
After the exhilarating win, TCU’s head coach Mark Campbell shared in the joy with his players, celebrating with Gatorade showers in the locker room. Suarez, radiating excitement, exclaimed, "Come on!" with Miles standing proudly by her side.
Currently, with an impressive record of 17 wins and only 1 loss, along with a 5-1 standing in the Big 12 Conference, TCU found themselves needing to summon the clutch performance that had been absent from their season thus far. They had previously outscored opponents by an astonishing average margin of 32.9 points, which included a staggering victory against Tennessee State where they triumphed by 83 points (122-39), marking it as the highest scoring game during Campbell’s tenure.
TCU's only setback this season occurred in an overtime loss to Utah, which sparked the Utes into a three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Miles is currently ranked as the second-best prospect for the upcoming WNBA draft, with expectations that the Minnesota Lynx will select her. Her statistics reflect her dominance on the court, leading the Horned Frogs with averages of 19.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. In contrast, Suarez is also making waves, projected within the top 15 of various mock drafts, with many anticipating she will be selected at number 11 by the Washington Mystics.
