Longhorns Stampede into Elite Eight History
Portland, Oregon – The excitement of the Women's Elite Eight reached a fever pitch last night as the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns punched their ticket to the Final Four with a commanding 78-65 victory over the resilient No. 2 seed NC State Wolfpack. In a contest held at the raucous Moda Center on Friday, March 29, 2024, the Longhorns showcased why they've been a dominant force all season, extending their impressive winning streak to 18 games.
Led by the electrifying junior point guard Maya Rodriguez, who tallied a game-high 25 points and dished out 7 assists, Texas controlled the tempo from the opening tip. Rodriguez, a consensus All-American, consistently broke down the Wolfpack's defense, either finding open teammates or finishing with her signature floater. Senior forward Elena Vasquez added a crucial 18 points and 10 rebounds, asserting her dominance in the paint against a physical NC State frontcourt. Coach Evelyn Hayes’s strategic defensive adjustments in the second half stifled NC State's primary scorer, limiting them to just 38% shooting after halftime. “Our focus was relentless,” Coach Hayes stated in the post-game press conference. “We knew NC State would fight, but our veterans stepped up and executed our game plan perfectly. This team has earned every bit of this moment.”
Gamecocks Survive Horned Frogs in Nail-Biting Finish
Albany, New York – The second Elite Eight clash of the night delivered an instant classic, with the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks narrowly defeating the No. 3 seed TCU Horned Frogs 72-70 at the MVP Arena. The game, also played on Friday, March 29, 2024, was a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the buzzer sounded.
South Carolina, known for their suffocating defense and powerful interior play, found themselves in an unexpected shootout against a high-octane TCU offense. The Horned Frogs, spearheaded by the sensational sophomore guard Chloe Davies, who poured in 28 points, repeatedly challenged the Gamecocks' vaunted defense with deep threes and quick drives. TCU held a slim lead for much of the fourth quarter, threatening to pull off a significant upset and secure their first-ever Final Four berth.
However, the experience and composure of South Carolina ultimately prevailed. With the Gamecocks trailing by one point with 15 seconds left, senior forward Jasmine “Jazz” Evans, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, drove hard to the basket, converting a contested layup and drawing a foul. Her ensuing free throw completed the crucial three-point play, giving South Carolina a 72-70 lead with 6.8 seconds remaining. TCU had one last chance, but Davies' desperate three-point attempt from just inside half-court clanked off the rim as time expired, sending the Gamecocks bench into a frenzy.
Coach Alana Reed of South Carolina praised her team's resilience. “TCU played an incredible game, they pushed us to our limit. But Jazz Evans showed why she’s an all-time great tonight. Her leadership and clutch performance when it mattered most is what this program is built on.” Evans finished with a double-double, 22 points and 11 rebounds, along with 4 blocks.
Anticipation Builds for the Final Four
With Texas and South Carolina now officially locked in, the stage is set for an epic Final Four showdown in Cleveland, Ohio, which will take place next weekend. These two powerhouses join the winner of Saturday's matchups, which include a highly anticipated clash between the No. 1 seed Iowa Hawkeyes and the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies, and another between the No. 1 seed Stanford Cardinal and the No. 2 seed LSU Tigers.
The Longhorns, making their first Final Four appearance since 2017, bring a blend of offensive firepower and stingy defense. Their guard play, anchored by Rodriguez, is expected to be a major factor. South Carolina, a perennial contender under Coach Reed, will rely on their dominant frontcourt and deep roster to make a run for another national championship, a title they last claimed in 2022.
What Lies Ahead
The journey through March Madness continues to deliver drama and unforgettable moments. As the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place, basketball fans worldwide eagerly await the matchups in Cleveland. Texas and South Carolina have proven their mettle under immense pressure, and their paths to the Final Four have been hard-fought and truly inspiring. The stage is now set for a championship weekend that promises to be nothing short of spectacular, as teams vie for the ultimate prize in women's collegiate basketball.
