In a thrilling matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 2 TCU Horned Frogs 58-47 in the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on March 31, 2025. This victory marks Texas' return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003, ending a long wait for the program and its supporters.
The game, held at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, showcased Texas' defensive prowess, which stifled TCU's offensive efforts throughout the contest. The Longhorns forced 21 turnovers and held the Horned Frogs to a mere 27% shooting from the field, including limiting star player Hailey Van Lith to just 3-of-15 shooting.
Madison Booker led the way for Texas, scoring a game-high 18 points, while Rori Harmon contributed significantly with 13 points. The Longhorns' ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain control of the game was evident as they never trailed after the first quarter.
"It feels amazing to finally get back to the Final Four," said Booker after the game. "We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to do it with this group of girls makes it even more special."
From the outset, Texas established its dominance, jumping out to an early lead thanks to a strong defensive effort that forced TCU into difficult shots. Harmon, who had 11 of her points in the first quarter, set the tone early, helping Texas to a 23-21 lead at halftime. Despite some offensive struggles, the Longhorns managed to maintain their composure and focus.
On the other side, TCU's Van Lith, who had been a key player in their Sweet 16 victory over Notre Dame, found it challenging to get into a rhythm against Texas' aggressive defense. She managed to score 17 points, but much of that came from the free-throw line, as she struggled to find open looks.
The second half saw Texas pull away, outscoring TCU 35-26. Kayla Oldacre emerged as a crucial factor off the bench, contributing nine points in the second half, including several key plays that helped maintain Texas' lead.
"We knew we had to play tough defense against a talented TCU team," said Texas head coach Vic Schaefer. "Our girls executed the game plan perfectly, and we were able to make adjustments when needed. It’s a great feeling to see our hard work pay off."
TCU's head coach Mark Campbell, in just his second season with the program, praised his team's effort despite the loss. "We fought hard, but Texas was the better team tonight. We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger next season," he stated.
The Longhorns' victory sends them to the Final Four, where they will face SEC rival South Carolina on April 4, 2025. This matchup is highly anticipated, as both teams have met three times this season, splitting their regular-season meetings before South Carolina triumphed in the SEC Tournament final.
As the tournament progresses, Texas fans are hopeful that this year could be the year they reclaim the national title, a feat they last accomplished in 1986. With a roster filled with talent and determination, the Longhorns are poised for a deep run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, TCU's journey in this tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. After overcoming significant challenges last season, the Horned Frogs have made their first-ever appearance in the Elite Eight, reflecting the growth and resilience of the program. Despite the loss, the future looks bright for TCU as they continue to build on this season's success.
As the dust settles on this Elite Eight showdown, all eyes will be on Texas as they prepare for the monumental challenge of facing South Carolina in the Final Four. Will the Longhorns continue their march towards the championship, or will they falter against another formidable opponent? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the excitement of March Madness is far from over.
