Madison Booker, a prominent college basketball player for the Texas Longhorns, has made headlines as she leads her team to the Final Four for the second consecutive year. With a remarkable record of 35-3 this season, Texas is poised for a strong showing in the upcoming tournament.

Booker, a five-star recruit from Mississippi, has quickly established herself as a key player in the NCAA. She reached 1,000 career points in just 61 games, making her the second fastest in program history. Her impressive performance earned her the Freshman of the Year honors in 2024, and she has since won the prestigious Cheryl Miller Award for two consecutive years.

In the Elite Eight, Booker scored 19 points, contributing significantly to her team’s success. Her leadership on the court has been instrumental in guiding Texas to its first Final Four appearance since 2003. “I don’t define myself as one position,” Booker stated, highlighting her versatility as a player.

Booker’s family has played a crucial role in her basketball journey. Her father, Carlos Booker, played college basketball at Southern Miss and professionally overseas, while her mother, Stephanie Booker, has been central to her development as a player. Reflecting on her early inspirations, Madison shared, “I watched players such as LeBron [James], [Rajon] Rondo,” indicating the influence of these athletes on her game.

Despite her success, it is important to note that Madison Booker is not related to NBA star Devin Booker. She has garnered attention from various colleges, receiving offers from eight teams before committing to Texas.

As the Longhorns prepare to face the UCLA Bruins, observers are eager to see if Booker can continue her stellar performance and lead her team to victory. The upcoming match is highly anticipated, especially considering Texas had a 20-point halftime lead in their previous meeting against UCLA.

Madison Booker’s journey in college basketball has been marked by significant achievements and recognition. With her talent and determination, she is expected to make a lasting impact in the Final Four and beyond.

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Before the current season, expectations for the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team were cautiously optimistic. Under the leadership of head coach Vic Schaefer, who joined the team in 2020 after a successful tenure at Mississippi State, the Longhorns had made significant progress, reaching the Sweet 16 in five of Schaefer’s six seasons. However, the team’s last national championship win was back in 1986, leaving fans yearning for a return to glory.

The decisive moment came when Texas defeated Michigan 77-41 in the Elite Eight, securing their fifth trip to the Final Four. This victory not only highlighted the team’s current form but also underscored Schaefer’s ability to elevate the program. With a record of 35-3 this season, the Longhorns have demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly against formidable opponents like UCLA, whom they handed their only loss of the season.

The impact of this achievement is profound for both the team and Schaefer. Players like Rori Harmon, who has made history as the only player in Division I with over 1,500 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds, and 350 steals, have thrived under Schaefer’s guidance. Harmon expressed her emotions after the Elite Eight victory, stating, “I don’t think he’s hugged me that tight — ever,” reflecting the strong bond between the coach and his players.

Experts in women’s basketball recognize Schaefer’s coaching acumen, noting his previous successes, including three Final Four appearances and a national title as an assistant at Texas A&M in 2011. His track record, combined with the talent on the current roster, has led him to assert, “With this team, how special they are, they’re good enough to win the championship.” This confidence resonates with the players, who are eager to prove themselves on the national stage.

As the Longhorns prepare for their upcoming challenges, the historical context of their journey adds to the narrative. The team’s last championship run in 1986 remains a poignant reminder of the potential that lies within the program. Schaefer’s leadership has reignited hope among fans and players alike, as they aim to capture the elusive title.

Looking ahead, the Longhorns will face tough competition in the Final Four, including teams like South Carolina and UConn, both of which have a rich history in women’s basketball. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable, but Schaefer’s experience and the team’s determination could be the key to their success.

In summary, Vic Schaefer’s journey with the Texas Longhorns has transformed expectations and revitalized a storied program. As they stand on the brink of a potential championship, the combination of skill, strategy, and heart will be crucial in determining their fate.

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In a commanding performance, Texas defeated Kentucky 76-54, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Texas shot an impressive 54% from the floor and outscored Kentucky 20-0 on fast breaks. The Longhorns established an early lead, opening the game with a 13-3 run that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Jordan Lee was a standout for Texas, scoring 18 points, while Madison Booker contributed 17 points. Rori Harmon also had a significant impact on the game, recording 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals. Harmon expressed her urgency in the tournament, stating, “You lose and you go home. That’s my urgency right now.”

Kentucky struggled throughout the game, committing 24 turnovers that led to 26 points for Texas. The Wildcats’ final score was 54 points, with Clara Strack being the team’s top scorer, contributing 16 points. Despite the loss, this marked Kentucky’s first Sweet 16 appearance under coach Kenny Brooks, indicating a step forward for the program.

Texas maintained control for more than 38 minutes of the game, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on Kentucky’s mistakes. The Longhorns’ defense was particularly effective, stifling Kentucky’s offensive efforts and forcing them into difficult situations. Coach Vic Schaefer praised his team’s performance, saying, “I thought Rori was really special on the ball. I’m just proud of my team.”

With this victory, Texas advanced to the Elite Eight, where they are set to face No. 2 Michigan. The matchup promises to be another challenging encounter, as Texas looks to continue their strong tournament run. Observers are keen to see how the Longhorns will adapt against a formidable opponent like Michigan, known for their competitive play in the tournament.

The outcome of this game not only reflects the current state of both programs but also sets the stage for future matchups. As Texas continues to build on their recent successes, Kentucky will look to regroup and learn from this experience as they aim to improve in the coming seasons. The future remains bright for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of NCAA women’s basketball.

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In a significant matchup during the NCAA Tournament, Matas Vokietaitis delivered an impressive performance, scoring 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, leading the Texas Longhorns to a 79-71 victory over the BYU Cougars. This win marks Texas’s advancement to the Round of 32 for the fourth time in five years.

Prior to facing BYU, Texas secured a win against N.C. State in its First Four matchup. The Longhorns entered the game as the No. 11 seed, while BYU was positioned as the No. 6 seed in the tournament.

Texas held a halftime lead of 46-37, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities. In addition to Vokietaitis’s contributions, Tramon Mark also played a crucial role, scoring 19 points in the game.

AJ Dybantsa was a standout for BYU, scoring 35 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Texas’s balanced attack. Sean Miller, Texas’s head coach, praised Vokietaitis’s performance, stating, “I thought Matas had one of his best games.”

Following the victory, Miller expressed his excitement about advancing in the tournament, saying, “I’m beyond thrilled to be able to advance and have the opportunity to play into the next round.” This win sets the stage for Texas to face either Gonzaga or Kennesaw State in their next matchup.

The outcome of this game not only highlights Vokietaitis’s talent but also reinforces Texas’s competitive edge in the tournament. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Longhorns will look to build on this momentum.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date and time of their upcoming game, but the anticipation among fans and analysts is palpable as Texas continues its pursuit of NCAA glory.

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The contest was tightly contested throughout, with NC State making a valiant effort to come back after trailing. The Wolfpack managed to tie the game at 66-66 following a 13-3 run, showcasing their resilience. However, the Longhorns’ late-game execution proved decisive, allowing them to secure the victory and advance in the tournament.

Texas’s performance was bolstered by their significant rebounding advantage, out-rebounding NC State 45-33. Tramon Mark led the Longhorns with 17 points, while Darrion Williams was the standout for NC State, scoring 21 points. Paul McNeil Jr. contributed with 11 points, including three three-pointers, but it was not enough to overcome the Longhorns.

Key moments

The game attracted an attendance of 11,756 fans, who witnessed a dramatic finish that will be remembered by both teams. This marked a significant moment in NCAA history, as it was the first buzzer beater by the Longhorns in a NCAA Tournament contest since Cameron Ridley’s memorable shot in 2014.

NC State’s season ended with a record of 20-14, and Coach Wade expressed disappointment in the outcome, stating, “It was a disappointing ending to a disappointing season.” The Wolfpack’s solid defensive effort, particularly in the second half where they held Texas to zero three-point shots, was a highlight, but ultimately, it was not enough to secure a win.

Historically, this loss adds to Texas’s edge in the all-time series against NC State, improving their record to 5-2. The Longhorns now look ahead to their next challenge, as they are set to face No. 6 seed BYU in the NCAA West Region First Round on March 19, 2026.

As the tournament progresses, NC State fans will reflect on a season filled with ups and downs, while Texas aims to build on their momentum from this hard-fought victory. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of the Wolfpack’s roster as they look to regroup for the next season.

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The Texas Longhorns faced the NC State Wolfpack in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament after a challenging regular season. Texas concluded the regular season with an 18-13 overall record and a 9-9 mark in the SEC, while NC State entered the matchup with a 20-13 overall record and a 10-8 record in the ACC. The stakes were high as both teams sought to advance in the prestigious tournament.

In a thrilling game that saw Texas narrowly defeat NC State 68-66, tensions flared on the sidelines. The pivotal moment came when Tramon Mark scored a midrange jump shot, putting Texas ahead with just seconds remaining. However, the excitement was somewhat overshadowed by an incident involving Texas head coach Sean Miller and his assistant coach, Ryan Anderson.

During the final moments of the game, Ryan Anderson rushed onto the court prematurely, a move that did not go unnoticed by Miller. The head coach was visibly upset, reportedly exclaiming, “ARE YOU KIDDING!!!” as he reacted to his assistant’s actions. This outburst highlighted the pressure and intensity of the situation, as well as the importance of maintaining composure in critical moments.

Anderson, a former player who played under Miller at Arizona during the 2015-16 season, faced criticism for his impulsive decision. The referees, however, did not notice the premature court rush, which could have resulted in a technical foul against Texas. This oversight allowed the Longhorns to maintain their focus on the game without additional penalties.

The incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the dynamics between coaches and their assistants, especially in high-stakes scenarios like the NCAA Tournament. Observers noted that while the victory was crucial for Texas, the sideline drama added another layer of intrigue to the game.

As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect the relationship between Miller and Anderson. Both will need to navigate the pressures of the tournament while ensuring that their team remains focused on their goals. The Longhorns, having secured a spot in the tournament, will look to build on their momentum in the upcoming rounds.

Overall, the Texas Longhorns’ victory over NC State not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also highlighted the challenges coaches face in managing both game strategy and team dynamics. With the NCAA Tournament underway, the focus will shift to how Texas can capitalize on this win and continue their journey in March Madness.

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In a thrilling matchup on March 17, 2026, the Texas Longhorns defeated the NC State Wolfpack 68-66 in the First Four of the NCAA tournament, held at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The game concluded with a dramatic game-winning shot from Tramon Mark, who scored with just 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock.

The victory propels Texas, now with a record of 19-14, into the next round where they will face No. 6 seed BYU. NC State’s season ends with a record of 20-14, having entered the tournament as an 11th seed, the same as Texas.

Texas initially held a commanding nine-point lead in the second half, but NC State mounted a comeback that kept the game competitive. Sean Miller, in his first year as Texas coach, commented on the challenges his team faced, stating, “We’re not able to get the benefits of it (Texas’ physicality) simply because we’re turning the ball over too much.”

As the game progressed, Texas maintained a narrow lead, holding a 58-53 advantage with 3:52 left on the clock. The tension built as both teams fought for control, but ultimately, it was Mark’s turnaround jumper that sealed the victory for Texas.

The game was broadcasted on truTV, allowing fans to witness the intense competition between the two teams. This matchup marked a significant moment for Texas basketball, as they look to build momentum heading into the next round of the tournament.

With the win, Texas aims to capitalize on their recent success against BYU, hoping to advance further in the tournament. Meanwhile, NC State will reflect on their season, which ended earlier than they had hoped.

As the tournament progresses, both teams will be remembered for their spirited performance in this tightly contested game. The excitement of March Madness continues as teams vie for the championship title.

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The Texas Longhorns and NC State Wolfpack are set to face off as both teams enter the 2026 NCAA Tournament as 11-seeds. This matchup will take place at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, with a tip-off scheduled for approximately 9:15 p.m. ET.

Historically, Texas holds a slight edge in their all-time series against NC State, leading 4-2. The last encounter between the two teams was a thrilling game on November 26, 2025, where Texas emerged victorious with a score of 102-98.

This matchup marks NC State’s 30th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, while Texas is making its 40th overall appearance. Both teams come into this game struggling, having lost five of their last six games, which adds an extra layer of intensity to this contest.

Texas has been noted for its offensive prowess, ranking 13th nationally in offensive efficiency with a rating of 125.0. However, both teams will need to find their rhythm quickly to advance in the tournament.

The winner of this game will advance to face the sixth-seed BYU in Portland on Thursday, making this matchup crucial for both teams’ tournament aspirations. The over/under for total points scored in this game is set at 158.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.

As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which squad will rise to the occasion and continue their tournament journey. This will be the seventh meeting all-time between Texas and NC State, adding to the historical significance of the matchup.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the starting lineups and any last-minute changes, but both teams are expected to bring their best efforts to the court tonight.

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Texas Women’s Basketball has made a significant mark in its new conference, clinching the SEC Tournament Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive score of 78-61. This victory, which took place in Greenville, S.C., on March 8, 2026, marks Texas’s first SEC Tournament championship since joining the conference in 2024.

The Longhorns started the game with an impressive 14-0 run, setting the tone for their dominant performance. Madison Booker led the team with a game-high 18 points, while Justice Carlton contributed 15 points, shooting an impressive 6-for-8 from the field. Jordan Lee also played a crucial role, adding 12 points and successfully making both of her three-point attempts.

Texas’s offensive strategy proved effective, as they scored 51 percent of their points from the paint, totaling 40 points in that area. The team’s defense was equally formidable, forcing South Carolina to commit ten turnovers in the first half and not allowing them to score any three-pointers in the second half. Overall, Texas grabbed 35 rebounds during the game, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court.

Vic Schaefer, the head coach of Texas Women’s Basketball, expressed his surprise at the team’s strong start, stating, “Did anybody, including me, think we’re going to jump out 14 to nothing in this game, in that arena with that team?” His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the Longhorns to this historic achievement, making him the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at multiple schools.

On the other hand, South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenges her team faced, saying, “Our team knows we didn’t play our best basketball, not nearly what we’re capable of doing.” She highlighted how Texas’s aggressive play forced South Carolina to adapt their game plan, leading to critical turnovers that hindered their performance.

This championship victory adds to Texas’s impressive season, as they now hold an overall record of 31-3, including 14 wins over AP ranked opponents, three of which were against top-five teams. The Longhorns have demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level, solidifying their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.

Looking ahead, Texas will await their seeding on Selection Sunday, which is scheduled for March 15. The anticipation surrounding their next steps in the NCAA tournament is palpable, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Longhorns will perform in the upcoming postseason.

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The South Carolina women’s basketball team, the No. 1 seed, is set to face the No. 3 seed Texas Longhorns in the SEC championship game on March 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This matchup follows South Carolina’s impressive semifinal victory over LSU, where Raven Johnson scored 22 points to lead her team.

In their path to the championship, the Gamecocks demonstrated their offensive prowess, averaging 87.1 points per game while allowing only 57.3 points. Their semifinal win against LSU showcased their dominance, as they have not lost to LSU since 2012. Meanwhile, Texas advanced to the final after a strong performance against Ole Miss, with Madison Booker contributing 31 points to secure the win.

The two teams have a competitive history, having split their regular season meetings, each winning by a narrow margin. This adds an extra layer of anticipation to the championship game, as both teams are eager to claim the SEC title. South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, boasts an impressive 8-0 record against Texas coach Vic Schaefer in postseason matchups, further heightening the stakes of this encounter.

As the championship approaches, both teams are focused on their strengths. South Carolina’s ability to score efficiently and defend effectively will be crucial in their quest for victory. Texas, on the other hand, has shown resilience throughout the season, averaging 85.2 points per game and allowing 56.5 points, making them a formidable opponent.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and Sling TV, ensuring fans can follow the action closely. With both teams having strong seasons—South Carolina holding a record of 31-2 and Texas at 30-3—the championship is expected to be a thrilling contest.

Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU Tigers, commented on the competitive nature of the SEC, stating, “It takes time to lay that foundation. Man, has she laid it and, man, are they good.” Mulkey’s remarks highlight the level of talent and preparation present in this championship matchup.

As the teams prepare for the final showdown, the excitement among fans and players alike continues to build. The outcome of this game will not only determine the SEC champion but also set the tone for the upcoming NCAA tournament. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes or updates leading up to the game.

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