The Texas Longhorns women’s team entered the Sweet 16 as major underdogs.
No. 2 Maryland was the top scoring offense in the country (91.8 points per game) and they happened to be a 12.5 favorite coming into the matchup on a 15-game win streak. In the end, none of that mattered as first-year head coach Vic Schaefer and the Longhorns defeated the Terps 64-61 to advance to the Elite Eight.
Not only did Texas control the tempo for the whole game, but they were the only team in the NCAA Tournament to lead Maryland at any point during the game as Maryland won big their prior two tournament games.
Texas controlling the tempo minimalized the number of Terrapin shots taken. Maryland was limited to only 60 field goals for the game, but they were highly contested from three-point range on 5-of-22 (22.7%).
Texas’ Charli Collier and Celeste Taylor each totaled a double-double, with Joanne Allen-Taylor and Kyra Lambert also scoring in double figures. A scary moment appeared when Audrey Warren came up with a steal before hitting her head hard on the floor. Warren has had her history with concussions and was taken into the locker room after getting up.
The game stayed close in the final minutes. Both teams traded the lead until Texas was able to create a three-point deficit with 23 seconds to go following a pair of Kyra Lambert free throws, which extended the lead to 62-59. Maryland would miss their following shot, taking Texas to the free-throw line again which would be their downfall.
Maryland was never able to get close enough to tie as they scored a meaningless layup with .1 to go. Texas got the win and advanced to the program’s 10th Elite Eight appearance and the first since 2016.
This is March 🤘 @TexasWBB #ncaaW pic.twitter.com/QZtjjZc8Fe
— espnW (@espnW) March 29, 2021
Next up, Texas will fight to make their first Final Four appearance since 2003 when they take on No. 1 South Carolina on Tuesday. First tip is at 6 p.m. CST on ESPN.
Scoring Leaders:
Diamond Miller: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Charli Collier: 16 points, 11 rebounds
Celeste Taylor: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists