Texas Women’s Basketball advanced to the Sweet 16 after defeating Illinois 65-48 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Moody Center. The Longhorns, coming off a dominant 44-point win over William & Mary, had a sluggish start but turned things around in the second quarter. Texas capitalized on Illinois’ 20 turnovers, scoring 23 points off them. Despite the win, the team wasn’t completely satisfied with their start.
Key takeaways from the game:
- Slow Start: Texas allowed Illinois to stay close in the first quarter, which should be addressed. The Longhorns’ defense is their strength, and they need to dominate early to avoid giving opponents hope for a comeback.
- Defense: The Longhorns’ defense was crucial in separating them from Illinois. Their defensive intensity helped them capitalize on turnovers and secure the win.
- Madison Booker’s Performance: Booker played well, scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. However, she needs to improve her shot selection before the Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee.
- Neutral Court Challenge: Texas will face Tennessee in the Sweet 16 without the support of their home crowd at the Moody Center. They’ve had a solid road record this season, and this next game will be a real test for the team as they aim for a spot in the Elite 8.
