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Texas Women's Basketball Advances to Final Four!

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 30th 2026 at 20:53 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

DALLAS, TX - March 31st, 2026 - The University of Texas Women's Basketball team is heading back to the Final Four after a hard-fought 69-63 victory over the University of Michigan in the Elite Eight this past Sunday in Greensboro, North Carolina. The win secures Texas's second-ever Final Four appearance, igniting excitement amongst Longhorn fans and setting the stage for a potentially historic run in the NCAA Women's Tournament. The team now prepares to play in front of a home crowd in Dallas, a significant advantage as they face a formidable Iowa squad on Friday night.

The journey to the Final Four hasn't been without its challenges. The Elite Eight matchup against Michigan proved to be a true test of resilience, with the Wolverines putting up a strong fight. While Leigha Morris of Michigan led all scorers with a remarkable 23 points, the Longhorns' collective experience and depth ultimately proved to be the deciding factor. Emily Bowman and Olivia Cochran also contributed double-digit scores for Michigan, demonstrating a balanced offensive attack that initially threatened Texas.

Recap of the Elite Eight Battle:

The game's opening quarter saw Michigan come out firing on all cylinders, capitalizing on early opportunities and establishing a lead largely due to Morris's sharpshooting. Texas struggled to find its offensive rhythm, appearing slightly unsettled by Michigan's aggressive start. However, the Longhorns didn't panic. The second quarter witnessed a shift in momentum as Madison Turner and Shaylee Reed began to find their stride, chipping away at the Michigan lead. While the Longhorns managed to close the gap, Michigan held onto a narrow advantage heading into halftime.

The third quarter continued to be a tightly contested affair, a back-and-forth exchange of baskets that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Crucially, Texas's defensive pressure began to mount, disrupting Michigan's offensive flow and forcing turnovers. This increased defensive intensity proved to be a turning point, slowing down the Wolverines' potent attack. The game remained within a single possession for much of the period.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biting finish. Neither team could establish a comfortable lead, with both sides trading crucial baskets in the final minutes. Texas, however, demonstrated composure under pressure, executing key plays down the stretch and capitalizing on crucial opportunities. Madison Turner led the Longhorns in scoring with 17 points, supported by Shaylee Reed's 16 and Lauren Ebo's solid 11-point performance.

Looking Ahead: The Final Four Matchup with Iowa

The upcoming semifinal against Iowa presents a new set of challenges for Texas. The Hawkeyes, known for their dynamic offense and sharpshooting abilities, are a force to be reckoned with. Analysts predict a high-scoring affair, emphasizing the importance of Texas's ability to control the tempo and limit Iowa's scoring opportunities. The game will be played on Texas's home court in Dallas, providing a significant boost in morale and fan support.

The other Final Four matchup pits NC State against UConn, promising another exciting contest. While all four teams are strong contenders, Texas's experience and balanced roster position them as a legitimate threat to win the national championship. This is a team built on solid fundamentals, defensive grit, and the ability to perform under pressure - qualities that are essential for success in the NCAA Tournament.

The Longhorns' journey to the Final Four has been a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in each other. With a supportive home crowd behind them, Texas is poised to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially bring home the coveted national title. The program's previous Final Four appearance, while memorable, didn't result in a championship. This year's team, however, appears to have the right combination of talent, experience, and determination to finally achieve that goal. Fans are eagerly anticipating Friday night's game, hoping to witness history in the making.