The UConn Huskies and Texas Longhorns are charging into the Final Four of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament, both fresh off victories in the Elite Eight. This year’s tournament has already been a rollercoaster of surprises and standout performances.
On Monday night, UConn, the No. 2 seed, overcame the top-seeded USC Trojans with a final score of 78-64. USC focused heavily on UConn’s star player, Paige Bueckers, but the Huskies found other ways to score. Freshman Sarah Strong shined with 15 points in the first half, helping UConn take a strong lead.
Despite a moment of concern when USC made a late-game run, UConn regained control thanks to solid performances from Bueckers and senior Azzi Fudd. Bueckers led all scorers with 31 points, while Strong not only contributed 22 points but also grabbed 17 rebounds. After the game, Bueckers praised her teammates for their collective effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience.
Meanwhile, in another part of the tournament, Texas made its own statement by defeating the No. 2 seed TCU Horned Frogs 58-47. This marked Texas’s first Final Four appearance since 2003, and they achieved it while never trailing in the contest. The game was marked by strong defensive play from Texas, limiting TCU’s scoring opportunities and forcing numerous turnovers. Senior guard Hailey Van Lith struggled against Texas’s defense, contributing only 17 points on difficult shooting.
A notable statistic from this game was that Texas held TCU to their lowest-scoring first half of the season, indicating a strong defensive strategy. On the offensive end, Madison Booker was the standout for Texas, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds.
The anticipation for the upcoming matches is building, especially with UConn now set to face the UCLA Bruins, who are also appearing in their first Final Four since 2019. As of April 2023, UConn is aiming for its 12th national championship, building on its storied history under coach Geno Auriemma.
For the Longhorns, their matchup against the reigning champions, South Carolina, promises to be an intense battle. Texas and South Carolina faced each other twice this season, with each team claiming a victory. Their recent history adds extra excitement as both teams look to assert dominance in the semifinals.
Fans and commentators are buzzing about these matchups on social media, showcasing a mixture of pride and excitement as schools from different regions clash on a national stage. With a mix of talented young stars and seasoned veterans, these games will likely be unforgettable.
For more insights on the tournament and its historical context, check out the NCAA’s official statistics here.
Check out this related article: Thrilling Women’s Elite Eight Highlights: UConn Dominates & Texas Triumphs – Full Analysis and Scores
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