AUSTIN, Texas — Madison Booker played a key role in leading Texas to a commanding 65-48 win over Illinois, propelling the Longhorns into the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in five years. Booker scored 20 points, while Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 19. The victory sets up a matchup against Southeastern Conference opponent Tennessee on Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Longhorns (33-3) gained control in the second quarter, outscoring the Illini 18-6. They further pulled ahead at the start of the third quarter with a significant lead of 24 points, aided by timely steals from Booker and Rori Harmon.
Texas was relentless on defense throughout the game, forcing Illinois (22-10) into 20 turnovers, from which the Longhorns scored 23 points. Harmon was particularly effective, grabbing four steals and tightly marking Illinois guard Genesis Bryant, leading to six turnovers.
Harmon’s performance was especially significant as she had missed last year’s tournament due to a knee injury. “I take pride in my defense,” Harmon expressed. “I just want to play so hard just because I wasn’t playing in the tournament last year.”
Despite being benched at the tipoff, Mwenentanda made a significant impact, achieving a career-high score on 7 of 10 shooting and securing six rebounds. “I’ve been prepared for this moment since day one freshman year,” she remarked. “You just saw the most confident version of myself.”
The Illini were limited largely to a six-player rotation during their two tournament matches, which resulted in fatigue under Texas’ pressure. Coach Shauna Green acknowledged, “They are so strong and physical and long. It wears on you.”
Adalia McKenzie emerged as the top scorer for Illinois with 13 points, while freshman Berry Wallace contributed 12 points, promising improved performance in future tournaments. “We’ll use the experience from this year, knowing we’ve played in a big moment,” Wallace said.
In reflecting on the game, Texas coach Vic Schaefer expressed confidence in his team’s depth and talent, saying, “When I can play her, it opens up the playbook for me. When (she) came in, it really changed things for us.” He also noted that this team ranks among his best.
Although Texas dominated the court, they struggled from beyond the arc, failing to make a three-pointer and managing only three in the first two tournament games. On the season, they averaged about three per game. Looking forward, Texas aims to advance to the Elite Eight as one of the top seeds for two consecutive years.
