Full Breakdown
Madison Booker Shines as Texas Dominates Oregon in NCAA Tournament
3/23/2026, 9:26:23 AM
Texas Advances with a Record-Breaking Performance
In a commanding display, Madison Booker scored a career-high 40 points, leading the No. 1 Texas Longhorns to a 100-58 victory over No. 8 Oregon in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. This win marks Texas' third consecutive advancement to the Sweet 16, where they will face the winner of the Kentucky-West Virginia matchup. Booker's performance not only set a personal record but also established a new Texas record for points scored in an NCAA tournament game.
Key Contributions and Team Dynamics
Booker’s impressive stat line included eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and notably, zero turnovers. Head coach Vic Schaefer praised her performance, emphasizing her ability to score efficiently, shooting 14-of-21 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Schaefer noted the team's offensive intelligence, stating, "This team is really, really cerebral offensively," highlighting their understanding of spacing and playmaking.
Rori Harmon also played a crucial role, contributing significantly on defense with five steals and assisting in the offensive effort. Together, Harmon and Booker accounted for 64 of Texas' 100 points, showcasing their synergy on the court. The Longhorns' defense was particularly effective, limiting Oregon to just eight points in the third quarter, which was pivotal in securing the victory.
Background and Context
The Longhorns entered the tournament with momentum after winning the SEC Tournament, finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record. Coach Schaefer has emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge, a trait that has been crucial for the team's success throughout the season. The victory over Oregon not only reflects the team's skill but also their resilience, as they overcame an early deficit to dominate the game.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the overwhelming win, there were concerns regarding Texas' slow start against Oregon, which allowed the Ducks to take an early lead. Some analysts noted that while the Longhorns ultimately found their rhythm, a more consistent performance from the outset will be necessary as they progress in the tournament.
What's Next for Texas
With this victory, Texas will head to Fort Worth for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds, where they will enjoy a home-court advantage due to a strong alumni presence in the area. The Longhorns are poised to make a deep run in the tournament, with aspirations of capturing their first NCAA title in 40 years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Forty points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals,” — Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
- “I knew something special was going to happen.” — Rori Harmon, Point Guard, Texas Longhorns
- “When you make shots like this team can, it's a whole lot easier coaching,” — Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
This performance by Madison Booker and the Texas Longhorns has set a high bar for the remainder of the tournament, signaling their intent to compete for the championship.
