In a thrilling, high-stakes game on the biggest stage of the season, the Texas women’s basketball team advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA March Madness tournament with a stunning victory over TCU. It was a culmination of a season of hard work, determination, and perseverance—an affirmation of their growth as a program and their potential to compete for a national championship.
Texas’ road to the Final Four was a challenging one, filled with both expected triumphs and unexpected hurdles. Their Elite 8 showdown with TCU—an in-state rival who had played with fierce intensity throughout the tournament—was a defining moment for the Longhorns. This victory not only propelled them to their first Final Four appearance in years but also signaled that Texas was ready to take on the best teams in the country. In this game, everything was on the line. One team would move on to the national stage, while the other’s season would end in heartbreaking defeat.
A Season to Remember for Texas Women’s Basketball
The Texas women’s basketball team entered the tournament with high expectations, having earned a top seed in the competition. Throughout the regular season, the Longhorns had established themselves as one of the best teams in the country, showcasing an impressive blend of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and depth. The leadership of head coach Vic Schaefer had proven pivotal in shaping the team’s success, with his defensive-first mentality and emphasis on unselfish, team-oriented basketball.
Key players like Rory Harmon, the team’s dynamic point guard, and Taylor Jones, a dominant presence in the paint, had led the Longhorns to victory after victory. Their blend of experience, skill, and toughness made Texas one of the favorites to make a deep run in the tournament.
Texas had breezed through the first few rounds of March Madness, defeating their opponents with a combination of tough defense and high-scoring offense. But as the tournament progressed, the level of competition intensified, and the stakes rose even higher. By the time they faced TCU in the Elite 8, Texas had established themselves as a championship contender. However, their true test was yet to come.
TCU’s Challenge: An In-State Rivalry
TCU’s women’s basketball team entered the Elite 8 with a chip on their shoulder. As an in-state rival, the Horned Frogs had long been overlooked in the shadow of Texas’ storied program, but this season, they had played with something to prove. The Horned Frogs, led by their head coach Raegan Pebley, had made a name for themselves in the tournament, making a deep run and defying expectations. They had a talented roster with key players like Shayna Gorib and Aaliyah Lobo, who could score in a variety of ways and make a difference on both sides of the ball.
TCU’s run to the Elite 8 had been nothing short of impressive. They had knocked off some of the top teams in the tournament, showing resilience and a never-give-up attitude. They had the speed and skill to challenge Texas’ defense, and they were not intimidated by the Longhorns’ reputation. The fact that this was an in-state rivalry added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans from both schools showing up in full force to support their teams.
The Horned Frogs had a clear game plan: disrupt Texas’ rhythm, push the pace of the game, and create opportunities for their explosive scorers. They wanted to make it a fast-paced game that could potentially overwhelm the Longhorns. The stage was set for a battle that would be decided by the smallest of margins, with everything on the line for both teams.
The Game Begins: Texas’ Defense Stands Strong
From the very beginning, it was clear that this would be a hard-fought, physical battle. Both teams came out with energy and intensity, but Texas’ defense quickly set the tone. The Longhorns’ defense, which had been their hallmark throughout the season, was relentless. They pressured TCU’s ball handlers, forced turnovers, and made every shot difficult for the Horned Frogs.
Rory Harmon, in particular, was exceptional on the defensive end. Known for her ability to lock down opposing guards and create turnovers, Harmon was everywhere. Her ability to move her feet and anticipate TCU’s offensive sets allowed her to disrupt the Horned Frogs’ flow early in the game. Harmon’s defensive tenacity set the stage for Texas to build a lead, as the Longhorns capitalized on fast-break opportunities created by their defense.
On the offensive end, Texas was patient, executing their offense with precision. Taylor Jones dominated the paint, drawing fouls and making tough shots around the rim. Jones’ physicality in the post was a constant problem for TCU, and her ability to get to the free-throw line helped Texas build an early lead. Meanwhile, Harmon showed her versatility on the offensive end, contributing with timely drives and assists.
As the first half progressed, TCU’s offense began to struggle against Texas’ suffocating defense. While the Horned Frogs had some success with their up-tempo style, they were unable to break through Texas’ disciplined defensive schemes. The Longhorns held a significant lead at the half, with the score 42-30 in their favor.
TCU Fights Back: The Third Quarter Surge
The second half began with TCU refusing to back down. The Horned Frogs came out with renewed energy, determined to make a game of it. They increased their defensive pressure, forcing Texas into several turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities of their own. TCU’s Shayna Gorib and Aaliyah Lobo came alive, hitting critical three-pointers and attacking the basket with aggression. Gorib, in particular, seemed to be everywhere, scoring in a variety of ways and keeping her team in the game.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as TCU mounted a serious comeback. Texas, known for their steady and controlled play, was momentarily rattled by TCU’s intensity. The Horned Frogs went on a run, cutting Texas’ lead to just three points with under three minutes remaining in the third. The atmosphere in the arena grew tense as the crowd roared, sensing that the game was about to take a dramatic turn.
However, this was where the experience and leadership of the Texas team truly shone. With the game tightening up, Rory Harmon stepped up, taking control of the offense and calming her teammates down. She hit a key jumper to stop TCU’s momentum and then found Taylor Jones inside for an easy layup to push the lead back to five points. Despite TCU’s best efforts, the Longhorns regained their composure and closed the third quarter strong, leading 55-49.
The Final Quarter: Texas Holds Firm
In the fourth quarter, the pressure was at its peak. With just one quarter remaining to secure their place in the Final Four, both teams knew that it would come down to who could execute under pressure. Texas’ defense remained unyielding, as they stifled TCU’s attempts to score in the paint and contested every shot from the outside.
Taylor Jones continued to dominate in the post, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. TCU, unable to find consistent offense, started to struggle with their shooting, while Texas took advantage of every scoring opportunity. The Longhorns played with poise, taking smart shots and continuing to force turnovers. As the game neared its conclusion, it became clear that TCU had no more answers for Texas’ defense and offensive execution.
With just under a minute remaining, Texas held a 10-point lead. TCU made one final push, but it was too little, too late. Texas’ defense continued to shine, and the Longhorns sealed the game with free throws and timely stops. When the final buzzer sounded, the Texas women’s basketball team had triumphed, winning 70-60 and securing their spot in the Final Four.
The Aftermath: A Historic Victory
The victory over TCU was more than just a win—it was a testament to Texas’ growth and resilience as a program. The Longhorns had faced a tough challenge from an inspired TCU team, but they had weathered the storm and emerged victorious. With this win, Texas not only advanced to the Final Four for the first time in several years but also reaffirmed their status as a championship contender.
For head coach Vic Schaefer, the win was a validation of his vision for the program. Schaefer had brought a defensive mindset and a commitment to hard work, and the players had bought into his philosophy. This victory marked the culmination of that commitment and the beginning of a new chapter for Texas women’s basketball.
For players like Rory Harmon and Taylor Jones, this win represented a lifetime of effort and sacrifice. They had fought through adversity all season and had now reached the pinnacle of college basketball. As the Longhorns prepared for their Final Four matchup, they knew that they had the talent, experience, and mental toughness to compete with the best teams in the country.
The road to the national championship was far from over, but for Texas, the win over TCU was a historic milestone—a moment they would remember for years to come. The Longhorns had made their mark on the 2023-2024 NCAA women’s basketball tournament, and the nation was now on notice: Texas was a force to be reckoned with.