Madison Booker leads Texas past Tennessee in close Sweet 16 clash

In a heated matchup of the NCAA Women's Tournament, the Texas Longhorns faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16 round in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday. Texas, coming into the game as the No. 1 seed, managed a 67-59 victory over the fifth-seeded Volunteers. This match showcased the battle of contrasting styles, with Tennessee averaging an impressive 87.5 points per game prior to this encounter, while Texas had a record of 34-3 as they sought to advance further in the tournament. Madison Booker played a critical role in Texas's success, scoring 17 points, including key buckets late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the win. With the game tied at 54, she scored four straight points which allowed Texas to regain momentum. The first half saw Texas leading 34-30, but not without challenges; Tennessee, renowned for their strong defense and rebounding, was in striking distance throughout the game. Defensively, Texas stepped up in the fourth quarter, limiting Tennessee to just nine points. The Longhorns were crucial in forcing turnovers and made significant stops during critical moments, which ultimately decided the game in their favor. Texas's board work slightly faltered against Tennessee, which excelled in taking advantage of second-chance opportunities, scoring 15 second-chance points compared to five for Texas. The victory propelled the Longhorns into the Elite Eight, where they would meet TCU, who made history by reaching their first regional final after defeating Notre Dame earlier in the day.