Texas Advances to Women’s Final Four After Dominant Victory
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — In a standout performance, the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team secured their spot in the women’s Final Four for the second consecutive year. Coach Vic Schaefer and guard Rori Harmon shared an emotional moment on the court as the final seconds ticked away in their decisive win over Michigan.
With a record-tying 35-win season, Texas showcased their prowess under Schaefer’s leadership, who expressed his gratitude, saying, “I prayed for that a long time last night, to have that moment today with her.” Harmon has been a pivotal player for the team, contributing significantly to their success.
Madison Booker led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Harmon added 13 assists in the 77-41 triumph over Michigan in the Fort Worth Regional 3 championship game. Harmon described the journey as one filled with “hard work, tears, blood, sweat, adversity” and cherished the achievement of reaching the Final Four.
The Longhorns, maintaining a strong start, missed only one shot in the first quarter, establishing a double-digit lead early on. Justice Carlton and Kyla Oldacre also made significant contributions, with Carlton scoring 15 points and Oldacre achieving a double-double.
Building on Historical Success
In his sixth year with Texas, Schaefer continues to build on his impressive record, having previously led Mississippi State to consecutive Final Fours. Texas’s latest achievement marks their fifth overall appearance and their first back-to-back since the mid-1980s.
The upcoming challenge for Texas is a showdown with UCLA, the only team to defeat them this season. The Bruins have been on a winning streak since their last encounter with the Longhorns, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Michigan’s Struggle Against Texas
Michigan, with key players Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway each scoring 11 points, finished their season with a 28-7 record. Despite this, they struggled against the Longhorns, shooting only 22.8% from the field in their lowest-scoring game of the season.
Coach Kim Barnes Arico acknowledged Texas’s strength, stating, “Texas is a great team. But we’re a better team than we looked tonight.”
Texas’s Journey Continues
After the game, the Longhorns returned to Austin, preparing for their next match in Phoenix. Schaefer planned a brief respite before delving into game preparations, stating, “Turkey season opened Saturday. I’m going to kill a turkey in the morning.”
As Texas and UCLA prepare to meet for the fifth time in NCAA Tournament history, fans anticipate an exciting matchup, with both teams having previously split their postseason encounters.
For a complete view of the NCAA Women’s Bracket, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket. Additional March Madness coverage can be found at https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness.
