BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — In a thrilling showdown at Legacy Arena, the Texas Longhorns secured their place in the women's NCAA Final Four with a hard-fought 58-47 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs on March 31, 2025. This monumental win marks Texas's first trip to the Final Four since 2003, showcasing their resilience and tenacity throughout the tournament.
Madison Booker, the standout player for Texas, led the charge with a game-high 18 points, earning herself the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Birmingham 3 Regional. Her performance was instrumental in helping the Longhorns improve their season record to 35-3. They will now face the defending champions, South Carolina, in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday night in Tampa, Florida.
The Horned Frogs, who concluded their historic season with a 34-4 record, faced a tough challenge against the Longhorns' aggressive defense. TCU had not lost since February 5, 2025, and had made significant strides in the tournament, but they struggled to find their rhythm against Texas's physical play. Head coach Mark Campbell acknowledged the challenge, stating, “I want to give Texas credit for playing a phenomenal game. They made us uncomfortable and kept us out of rhythm for the whole game.”
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Texas's defense would be a decisive factor. The Longhorns forced TCU into 21 turnovers, a staggering number that significantly hindered the Horned Frogs' offensive flow. TCU managed only 12 field goals, their worst offensive showing since a previous defeat to South Carolina. The turnovers led to 17 points for Texas, further widening the gap as the game progressed.
Despite the struggles, TCU remained competitive. They trailed by just one point, 32-31, with less than four minutes left in the third quarter, thanks to a perfect 8-for-8 performance at the free-throw line. However, Texas's defense tightened, and Madison Booker began to find her stride, scoring eight points in the third quarter. This surge helped Texas extend their lead to 42-33 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Texas pull ahead by as many as 12 points. A critical moment came when Kyla Oldacre intercepted a pass from TCU's Hailey Van Lith, leading to a fastbreak layup that pushed Texas's lead to 47-36 with just over eight minutes remaining. The Longhorns capitalized on TCU's mistakes, effectively stifling their attempts to mount a comeback.
TCU’s Sedona Prince, who had a challenging game against her former team, fouled out with 6:32 left, finishing with only four points and nine rebounds. Prince reflected on the emotional toll of facing Texas, stating, “It was hard. I thought we had to win to prove it to them that they couldn’t beat me. I think I was in my head a lot, but it’s God’s Glory no matter what.”
In a last-ditch effort, TCU's Deasia Merrill sparked a brief resurgence, scoring four points during an 8-0 run that narrowed Texas's lead to 53-47 with just 2:42 remaining. However, Booker responded with a crucial mid-range jumper that quelled TCU's momentum, ultimately sealing the victory for Texas.
Hailey Van Lith, who scored 17 points in her final collegiate game, expressed pride in her team's journey, despite the disappointment of the loss. “We’re not even sad about losing. We’re sad that we aren’t going to see each other next week,” she said, highlighting the bond formed throughout the season.
Texas's victory not only signifies a remarkable achievement for the program but also continues a trend of dominance among top seeds in this year's tournament. With three No. 1 seeds now confirmed in the Final Four, including South Carolina and UCLA, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to March Madness.
The Longhorns' head coach, Vic Schaefer, celebrated this milestone after four attempts to win a regional final. He previously led Mississippi State to two Final Fours and now looks to guide Texas to its first national title since 1986. “This is a great moment for our program,” Schaefer remarked. “We’ve worked hard to get here, and our players have shown incredible determination.”
As the Longhorns prepare for their matchup against South Carolina, the excitement continues to build. With a strong defensive strategy and key players stepping up, Texas is poised to make a significant impact in the Final Four. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Longhorns can capture their first national championship.
This thrilling Elite Eight matchup will be remembered as a pivotal moment in both Texas and TCU's basketball history, showcasing the intensity and passion that define NCAA women's basketball. As the tournament progresses, one thing is clear: the future of women's college basketball is bright, and the competition is fiercer than ever.
