Texas clinched a hard-fought victory over Tennessee in a matchup that highlighted both teams’ defensive skills. The Longhorns, guided by Coach Vic Schaefer, relied on their strong defense and key plays from SEC Player of the Year, Madison Booker, to secure a 67-59 win in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Booker was instrumental, contributing 17 points, including critical shots in the fourth quarter. The game was tightly contested, and even when the Lady Volunteers came close, Texas managed to widen the gap, ultimately winning by eight points.
Jordan Lee and Taylor Jones also stepped up for the Longhorns, with Lee scoring 13 points and Jones adding 12 points along with eight rebounds. The victory means Texas will face TCU in the Elite Eight, a significant milestone for the Horned Frogs, who recently defeated Notre Dame.
Despite the challenges, Coach Schaefer praised his team’s experience in high-pressure situations and emphasized the importance of fundamentals in the closing minutes. “When you’re tired, you have to fall back on your basics,” he noted.
On the other side, Tennessee’s coach Kim Caldwell found pride in her team’s effort but recognized the formidable challenge Texas presented. With strong performances from players like Ruby Whitehorn, who scored 16 points, Tennessee showed resilience, continuing its history of excellence in women’s basketball with their 43rd consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.
As the game progressed, Texas maintained a slight lead, outplaying Tennessee slightly despite the Lady Vols matching them in key areas like rebounding and post play. Texas, however, managed to clamp down defensively when it mattered most, holding Tennessee to just nine points in the final quarter and forcing turnovers down the stretch.
The Longhorns improved their record against Southeastern Conference teams to 18-2 and demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with as they continue their pursuit of a championship.
This matchup not only showcased the skills of talented athletes but also highlighted the hard work and dedication that both teams have put into their seasons, embodying the competitive spirit that defines college sports.
