Texas Women’s Basketball Cruises to Elite Eight with Dominant Win Over Gonzaga
The top-seeded Texas Longhorns delivered a stifling defensive performance to overpower Gonzaga 69-47 in the Sweet Sixteen on Friday night at Moda Center.
Aaliyah Moore led the Longhorns (33-4) with a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds), adding a career-high six assists. Shaylee Gonzales chipped in with 15 points, while Shay Holle provided valuable support with 12 points.
Texas suffocated Gonzaga’s offense in the first half, holding them to a meager 18 points – a staggering 33 points below their season average. A dominant 10-0 run late in the first quarter propelled the Longhorns to a 14-7 lead, and they closed the period strong with a 14-2 run capped by DeYona Gaston’s buzzer-beater jumper.
The defensive dominance continued in the second quarter, with Texas outscoring Gonzaga 19-9 to establish a commanding 37-18 halftime advantage.
Although Gonzaga briefly threatened with a 9-0 run in the third, Texas swiftly responded with an 8-0 run of their own to maintain control, leading 54-35 entering the final frame.
Khadija Faye provided a spark in the fourth quarter, scoring six of her eight points to keep the Bulldogs at bay. Her clutch free throws and Madison Booker’s driving layup late in the game sealed the victory for Texas.
This win marks a significant achievement for the Longhorns. With 33 victories, they’ve achieved their most successful season since 1985-86, and have now won 15 of their last 16 games. Furthermore, Texas advances to the Elite Eight for the third time in the last four seasons, continuing head coach Vic Schaefer’s impressive record – he’s guided teams to the Elite Eight in six of his last seven seasons.
Defensively, Texas was phenomenal. They held Gonzaga to single-digit scoring in both the first and second quarters, extending their season total of holding opponents under 10 points in a quarter to an impressive 26. Gonzaga’s shooting woes were evident throughout, as they finished a dismal 26.5% from the field and a frigid 18.2% from three-point range. Texas’ stifling defense has been a key factor in their success this season – they boast a 22-1 record when holding opponents under 40% shooting.
The Longhorns also dominated the paint, outscoring Gonzaga 36-18. Offensively, they were efficient, shooting 50% from the field (their 16th game this season achieving this feat) and connecting on 80% of their free throws.
Texas now sets their sights on the Elite Eight, where they’ll face the winner of the matchup between top-seeded South Carolina and fourth-seeded Maryland.
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