Cliffs Notes: The Texas Longhorns advanced to the Final Four for the first time in 22 years with a 58-47 win over No.2 seed TCU.
The Participants: No.1 Texas (35-3) and No.2 YCU (34-4)
Game MVP: I'm going to give this to senior point guard Rori Harmon, who came out in this game with more aggression, determination and thirst to be a difference-maker for this team than I can remember seeing at any point all season. Harmon scored 11 early points and although she finished 6 of 18 from the floor, her spirit and leadership really shined tonight. After a tough fourth quarter performance against Tennessee, she came out and delivered a performance worthy of a Final Four spot.
Unsung Heroes: She only scored 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but the former Portal addition Kyla Oldacre felt like the difference-maker in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. Her fingerprints were on everything.
The Game Was Decided When...: There was a lot of basketball left after this play, but when Oldacre made a steal and went the distance for an and-one lay-up... it felt like this game was in the bag.
Locked in Early: Until it allowed a wide-open three-point shot seconds before the first quarter expired, the Longhorns were absolutely murderous on the defensive end in the opening 1 minutes, while forcing 8 turnovers and limiting TCU to 3 of 12 shooting from the floor. Texas wasn't able to take advantage of the defense by building a big lead, as the Horns only held a 13-9 lead going into the second quarter.
Bye, Girl: In her last career college game, TCU star Hailey Van Lith was forced into a 3 of 15 night from the floor and 7 turnovers. The Texas team defense was all over her.
The Three-Point Shot: Texas was only scored beyond the arc by a margin of 4-2.. that was the difference in the game. TCU only hit 4 of 20 on the night.
Final Thoughts: The Longhorns became a Final Four program under Vic Schaefer tonight and certified the program as truly one of the nation's elite, doing so the Vic Schaefer way... lots of gritty defense, guts and a refusal to give an inch. The season is officially a success and this team can now be remembered as the best Texas women's basketball team in almost 40 years. The 1986 national title team is the only one that ranks above it.
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