Texas dominates Illinois to secure spot in Sweet 16

In a decisive matchup during the NCAA Women’s Tournament held in Birmingham, Alabama, No. 1-seed Texas faced off against No. 8 Illinois. The game took place on Monday, March 25, 2025, with Texas emerging victorious with a score of 65-48. Texas displayed a fierce defense throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter where they outscored Illinois 18-6. Key players for Texas included Madison Booker, who led the scoring with 20 points, and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, who contributed an additional 19 points. The Longhorns capitalized on Illinois's 20 turnovers, turning them into 23 points that helped cement their lead. Illinois, though making history by securing their first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years during their previous game against Creighton, struggled to maintain momentum against Texas's physical play. Adalia McKenzie led the Illini with 13 points, but the team faced the challenge of losing four senior starters after this season. Texas, under pressure to perform as a No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year, is now looking to reach the Elite Eight for the fourth time since 2022. This win marks Texas's continued success in women's college basketball, as they remain a formidable force in the tournament. Injuries and a demanding schedule had tested the team throughout the season, particularly for Rori Harmon, who missed the previous year's tournament due to a knee injury that required surgery. She played a key role in this game with four steals, significantly impacting Illinois's offensive flow. Texas was able to pull away at the start of the third quarter, stretching their lead to as much as 24 points. They were able to achieve this without making a single three-pointer during the game, which demonstrates their capacity to score effectively in other ways. The Illini's roster for next season faces significant changes, with injuries and graduations potentially affecting their performance in the upcoming season. Their coach, Shauna Green, expressed admiration for her team's growth throughout the tournament, noting that their experience in high-pressure situations was invaluable. Despite the loss to Texas, Illinois intends to build on this experience, hoping to repeat their success in the future. Texas's persistent defense and offensive execution provide a blueprint for future games as they aim for a deep run in the tournament. As they prepare to take on No. 5 Tennessee in the next round, the Longhorns hope to leverage their experience and skill to keep advancing.