The Texas Longhorns have advanced to their second Final Four since 2003 with their 77-41 win over the University of Michigan. This is the fifth Final Four appearance in program history, two in a row under head coach Vic Shaefer.
Further, Shaefer is one of two active coaches to take two different teams to the Final Four (Texas, Mississippi State).
Balanced Offense, Defense Power Texas Longhorns to Final Four
Michigan in the first half struggled to convert on offense. The Wolverines had plenty of chances at the basket, but shot only 21% from the floor and 25% from beyond the arc. Texas was able to keep Michigan’s sharp shooter, Olivia Olson who averages 19 points-a-game to two points.
In comparison, the Longhorns shot 52% from the floor, but did not convert a single three-pointer in their seven first half attempts. Junior forward Madison Booker, a finalist for Naismith Player of the Year and the Wade Trophy had 15 points at the half.
Longhorns Ignite After Halftime, Dominating to Secure Elite Final Four Spot
The shooting woes continued for Michigan in the second half. The Wolverines shot 22.8% from the field and 13.3% from three for the game. They also had 15 turnovers that led to 19 points for Texas. Additionally, Texas had 36 paint points, and out rebounded Michigan 49 to 32.
According to Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico after the game, the Wolverines were disappointed with their play and the loss. She said, “Well, that was a tough game for us. Obviously, we’re extremely disappointed. Texas is a great team, but we’re a better team than we looked tonight.”
She added, “We tried to go zone a little bit to give them that look, and that’s kind of what we did against Louisville, but we were able to rebound out of it. We weren’t able to rebound out of it. And then I think that really deflated us. Then we couldn’t score. Then they just extended it.”
She finished her press conference stating, “We couldn’t get stops and then we couldn’t score. I don’t think we’re whatever the deficit was, you know, an inferior opponent to them, but they’re a really great team.”
The Longhorns had four players in double digits in the win. Booker finished the game with 19 points, and seven rebounds. Junior forward Breya Cunningham had 11 points and seven rebounds, coupled with 15 points and seven rebounds from sophomore guard Justice Carlton.
Senior center, Kyla Oldacre had a double-double off the bench, with 12 points and 11 rebounds, her sixth of the season.
Coaches and Players Reflect on Texas Longhorns’ Elite Eight Win
After the game when being presented with the trophy and addressing the crowd, Shaefer stated about Michigan, “That is a heck of a team, coach had done a great job there, they are young and they will be back.”
He continued, “For all of us in orange today, it is a great day to be a Longhorn. Y’all have been here showing up and showing out for two games now, and you get to see what I see everyday. What a blessing these kids are…boy don’t they play the game the right way.”
To cheers from the crowd, Shaefer continued to uplift and compliment his team. He said, “I want them to enjoy it today, but as I have been telling them for about seven weeks, they are good enough.”
In the post game press conference, the players explained how important this win was, particularly how the team played together, but also their defensive effort. Graduate point guard Rori Harmon said, “Our defense just gets us going…I feel like I am almost responsible for that defensive mindset side of the team.” Booker added, “Of course you have Rori Harmon, the head of our defense that is just pressuring the ball, but I am really proud of how the entire group has just bought in on defense.”
In Shaefer’s opening statement he discussed the chemistry and culture of the team and Oldacre shoke her head in agreement, when asked further about why she explained, “This team, the bond that we built is even stronger and that type of bond that feels like a sisterhood and with that I see on the court that we are having fun and just enjoying each other.”
Fort Worth Regional Three All-Tournament Team
Olivia Olson, Michigan
Syla Swords, Michigan
Rori Harmon, Texas
Jordan Lee, Texas
Most Outstanding Player, Madison Booker, Texas
The Longhorns will head to Phoenix for the Final Four where they will play fellow No. 1 seed UCLA on April 3 on ESPN.
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