In a thrilling display of teamwork and trust, TCU’s Olivia Miles made a play that didn’t show up in the stats but changed the game entirely, setting the stage for Marta Suarez’s jaw-dropping buzzer-beater. But here’s where it gets controversial: Miles, a projected WNBA lottery pick, chose to step away from the spotlight and set an off-ball screen instead of taking the shot herself. Was it a selfless act or a calculated move by a true playmaker? Let’s dive in.
On a tense Wednesday night, TCU guard Marta Suarez sank a 25-foot three-pointer as time expired, securing a 51-50 victory over West Virginia. The heroics wouldn’t have been possible without Miles’ clutch off-ball screen, which disrupted the Mountaineers’ defense and gave Suarez the opening she needed. This isn’t just any play—it’s the kind of move that only happens when a player trusts their teammates and the moment, a testament to Miles’ status as one of college basketball’s elite playmakers.
And this is the part most people miss: Miles, already a star with WNBA aspirations, could have forced a shot or demanded the ball. Instead, she moved away from the action, slipped into the lane, and created an opportunity for Suarez. It’s a rare sight in today’s basketball, where individual highlights often overshadow team success. But Miles’ decision wasn’t just selfless—it was strategic, showcasing her ability to read the game and elevate her team.
The win wasn’t pretty. TCU committed a season-high 24 turnovers, was outrebounded 39-33, and endured a scoring drought that spanned halves. Yet, they gutted out a victory that, on paper, looked like a loss. Suarez, who missed her first five three-point attempts, finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, her earlier struggles forgotten after her game-winning shot. Miles, meanwhile, led with 14 points and a steady hand, even as chaos reigned on the court.
The drama peaked in the final seconds. With West Virginia splitting free throws and two seconds left, TCU called a timeout. Suarez re-entered the game, and the rest is history—a shot that stunned Mountaineers fans and cemented TCU’s place as a top-five contender in women’s college basketball.
But here’s the real question: Is Olivia Miles the most underrated playmaker in college basketball? While she’s projected as the No. 2 WNBA prospect, trailing only UCLA’s Lauren Betts, her impact goes beyond stats. She leads TCU in scoring (19.5 PPG), assists (6.6 APG), and steals (2.0 SPG), but it’s her ability to make the right play—even when it’s not the flashy one—that sets her apart. Suarez, meanwhile, is a projected top-15 pick, with some mock drafts sending her to the Washington Mystics at No. 11.
TCU’s 17-1 record and 5-1 Big 12 standing speak to their dominance, but this game was different. After blowing out opponents by an average of 32.9 points, including an 83-point rout of Tennessee State, the Horned Frogs faced a true test of their mettle. Their only loss, an overtime defeat to Utah, sparked a three-game winning streak for the Utes, proving TCU isn’t invincible. Yet, under head coach Mark Campbell, they’ve shown resilience, celebrating wins with Gatorade showers and chants of “Come on!” led by Suarez and Miles.
So, what do you think? Was Miles’ play the ultimate act of selflessness, or a masterclass in basketball IQ? And does this TCU team have what it takes to go all the way? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
