AUSTIN, TX (Chambana Today) – Madison Booker’s 20 points and a suffocating defensive effort lifted top-seeded Texas to a dominant 65-48 victory over No. 8 Illinois, securing the Longhorns a spot in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The win marks Texas’ fourth Sweet 16 appearance in the last five years.
The game was a tale of stifling defense and offensive execution, as Texas turned up the pressure, forcing Illinois into 20 turnovers and scoring 23 points off those mistakes. Rori Harmon was a key catalyst for the Longhorns, with four steals and lockdown defense on Illinois guard Genesis Bryant, who committed six turnovers.
Texas went on a critical 18-6 run in the second quarter and expanded their lead in the third, with steals from Booker and Harmon leading to fast-break opportunities. The Longhorns stretched the lead to 24, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Texas will now face No. 5 Tennessee in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday.