Medley records unforgettable tune, sets TCU career scoring

Fort Worth, TX -- The Kansas Jayhawks and the TCU Horned Frogs ended their 2015-16 regular season campaign at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena in a nail-biting, edge of your seat type of contest during Senior Night.

"Literally, praise God for that win. Because He doesn't get credit enough" said coach Pebley.

The Jayhawks found the board first, but TCU senior Zahna Medley answered quickly by scoring the two points needed for tying Sandora Irvin for the TCU career scoring record (which she later broke). Irvin also made a special appearance during the game to congratulate Medley's newest accolade.

Kansas led for 12:19 by as many as nine points going into halftime. TCU struggled to find the basket by shooting only 20 percent from the field. The Jayhawks weren't having the best of luck either with a 23 percent average in the first half. Missed opportunities from both sides kept it at a low scoring game. The Horned Frogs trailed 19-18 at halftime.

The Jayhawks, led by first-year head coach Brandon Schneider, have faced much hardship all season long with an away record of 0-10 and a Big 12 record of 0-17. However, Kansas still has a fire inside that allows them to play competitively.

Medley and company are dead last in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing opponents to average roughly 67 points per game. However, the Horned Frogs shoot a conference-best 39.6 percent from beyond the arc, which was an issue for the Jayhawks, who have the worst three-point defense in the Big 12 (.344).

For a team that has found difficulty winning on the road and facing conference opponents, they sure knew how to put up a fight. The Jayhawks remained in the lead 38-37 going into the fourth quarter. Sophomore guards, Chayla Cheadle and Lauren Aldridge were the leading scorers of the night.

The fourth quarter was crucial for both teams, especially TCU, who was playing "catch up" for the majority of the game. Senior forward Caitlin Diaz netted a three-point play to give the Frogs that push to cut down the deficit.

Just under two minutes left of play, coach Pebley jumped from her seat and faced the stands to pump up the crowd as her team led 49-42. At this point, everyone was on their feet in the Schollmaier Arena as the Jayhawks attempted a comeback.

With 9.2 seconds left in regulation, Medley banked two free throws that sealed the deal for the win 55-52.

"These seniors have committed a lot...this game was a lot like their careers here. They had to grind it and toughen it out, and it was great to see our seniors contribute in that fourth quarter," said coach Pebley.

Aldridge and Kylee Kopatich led the Jayhawks with 10 points each followed by Cheadle with seven points and six rebounds on the night.

Medley, who now holds the record for career scoring, dominated with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Not too far behind was Diaz with 14 points and Jada Butts with eight.

The Horned Frogs said farewell to five senior student-athletes during postgame ceremonies for Senior Night, including Aiche Ndao, Veja Hamilton, Medley, Caitlin Diaz, and Destynee Hives-McCray.

The Jayhawks and Horned Frogs prepare for the 2016 Big 12 Championship March 4-7.

"You have to use the regular season to refine you. Everyone is zero-zero, everyone has new life...We have to rest and really prepare, and we are going to see this team again real quickly," said coach Pebley.