FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team punched their ticket to the Final Four for the second consecutive year, dominating the Michigan Wolverines 77-41 in the Fort Worth Regional final on Monday night. The top-seeded Longhorns, who have now won 12 straight games, showcased their depth and defensive prowess in a one-sided affair that left little doubt about their status as a national title contender.
Junior guard Madison Booker led the charge for Texas, scoring 19 points and earning the regional's most outstanding player honors. The Longhorns' suffocating defense held Michigan to a dismal 23% shooting from the field, turning the game into a rout early and often. With this victory, Texas advances to face fellow No. 1 seed UCLA on Friday in Phoenix, setting up a highly anticipated rematch from their early-season clash.
The win caps a drama-free tournament run for the Longhorns, who have won their four NCAA games by an average margin of 35.5 points. Last season marked the program's first Final Four appearance since 2003, a milestone for coach Vic Schaefer in his fifth year at the helm. That year, Texas fell to SEC rival South Carolina in the semifinals, but the experience has clearly fueled this squad's determination to go further.
Michigan, finishing the season with a 28-7 record, struggled to find any rhythm against Texas's relentless pressure. The Wolverines, who entered as the No. 2 seed, couldn't overcome the Longhorns' physicality and perimeter defense. According to game reports, Texas jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, building a double-digit advantage by halftime.
This Final Four berth comes on the heels of Texas securing the SEC tournament title on March 8, where they dispatched their conference foes by an average of 19 points across three games. The Longhorns' path to this point wasn't always smooth, however. Early in the season, they made a strong statement with back-to-back victories over UCLA and South Carolina at the Players Era Championship in November, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level.
Texas started the year on fire, rattling off an 18-0 record that had them firmly in the national championship conversation. But mid-January brought a reality check with consecutive road losses to SEC powerhouses LSU and South Carolina. The skid continued on February 12 with a defeat at Vanderbilt, prompting a fiery postgame rant from Schaefer that seemed to ignite a turnaround.
"We have no heart," Schaefer said at the time. "We're not tough. It's probably the softest team I've had in years. It translates from practices ... my fault. I'll wear it. It stops now."
Those words appeared to resonate deeply with the team. Since that Vanderbilt loss, the Longhorns have been unbeatable, embarking on a tear that has carried them through the regular season's final stretch, the conference tournament, and now deep into March Madness. Schaefer's tough love, combined with the program's growing cohesion under his leadership, has transformed Texas into a juggernaut.
The program's history adds even more weight to this achievement. Texas's lone national championship dates back to 1986, when the Longhorns completed a perfect 34-0 season under coach Jody Conradt. That title remains a beacon for the current roster, many of whom grew up idolizing the legacy of Texas women's basketball in Austin.
As the Longhorns prepare for UCLA, memories of their November matchup linger. In that thriller at the Players Era Championship, Texas edged out the Bruins in a statement win that boosted their confidence against top-tier competition. UCLA, seeded No. 1 in their region, has been equally dominant, but the Longhorns' familiarity could prove advantageous in the semifinals.
Coach Schaefer, known for his no-nonsense approach, has steadily rebuilt Texas since arriving in 2019. His first Final Four last year ended in heartbreak against South Carolina, but it validated his methods and attracted top talent. This season's run, marked by resilience after early setbacks, underscores the maturity of a team that's learned from adversity.
Beyond the court, Texas's success highlights the rising tide of women's college basketball. The sport has seen increased viewership and parity, with multiple conferences producing elite teams. The SEC, in particular, has been a hotbed of talent, and Texas's dominance within it speaks to the league's depth.
Michigan's coach Kim Barnes Arico praised her team's effort postgame, noting the Wolverines' strong regular season despite the lopsided defeat. "We had a great year, but Texas was just on another level tonight," she said, according to reports from the arena. The loss ends Michigan's season on a sour note, but their 28 wins provide a solid foundation for next year.
Looking ahead, Texas enters the Final Four with momentum and experience. A win over UCLA would send them to the championship game, where they could face either Iowa or either South Carolina—both familiar foes. Schaefer remains focused on the present, emphasizing preparation over speculation.
The Longhorns' fanbase in Austin is buzzing with excitement, packing Dickies Arena in Fort Worth for the regional games and already planning trips to Phoenix. This second straight Final Four run has reignited hopes of ending a 38-year national title drought, putting Texas back in the spotlight of women's hoops.
In a tournament full of upsets and Cinderella stories, Texas has been the picture of consistency. Their blend of veteran leadership, young stars like Booker, and Schaefer's strategic acumen positions them as favorites to cut down the nets. As the Final Four unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Longhorns can finally claim the hardware that has eluded them for decades.