The Texas Longhorns secured a hard-fought 70-63 victory over Ole Miss in the SEC tournament to earn a coveted spot in the semifinals. The game was a battle from start to finish, with Texas building an early lead before Ole Miss mounted a late comeback attempt.
Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Rori Harmon controlled the tempo with nine assists. A crucial three-pointer by Shay Holle in the final minutes helped seal the victory.
Following the game, key Texas players along with head coach Vic Schaefer spoke to the media about the team’s performance, the challenges they faced, and their mindset moving forward.
Key Player Reflections From Madison Booker and Rori Harmon
Booker led the way with 19 points and seven rebounds as Texas’ leading scorer until she was forced to leave because of fouls in the closing stretch of the contest.
“It was a really physical game and we knew coming in that Ole Miss plays tough,” Booker said postgame. “I just tried to stay aggressive and do what my team needed me to do. My teammates were great at creating opportunities and we just kept pushing until the end.”
Booker also shared her thoughts on fouling out in the final moments of the game.
“It’s always tough to have to sit in the final moments but I trusted my teammates to close it out. We talk a lot about staying composed and they did just that” Booker said.
Harmon serves as a key facilitator for the Longhorns, who explained how she sets up teammates and controls their game tempo.
“My job is to set my teammates up for success. I take pride in being able to distribute the ball and control the tempo. Madison had a great game and it’s all about making sure we’re in the best position to win,” Harmon explained.
Harmon emphasized Texas’ defensive mindset as well.
“We really focused on shutting down their runs. We knew they’d make a push in the fourth quarter, but we stayed locked in defensively. Defense has been our identity all season and tonight was no different,” Harmon added.
Coach Schaefer and Others Reflect on Gritty Win
Coach Schaefer demonstrated tremendous pride about his team’s performance after they successfully defeated the challenging Ole Miss squad.
“I’m just incredibly proud of this group. They fought through adversity, stayed composed and executed down the stretch. This was a tough Ole Miss team and we had to earn every point,” Schaefer noted.
Schaefer highlighted the Longhorns’ defensive identity, noting how they remained locked in despite a strong push from Ole Miss in the fourth quarter.
“They believe in each other. This team has built an identity around toughness and discipline. We’re not perfect but we play for each other and that’s what matters,” Schaefer added.
Holle, who hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game, spoke about the moment.
“I knew we needed a big shot and my teammates trusted me,” Holle said. “I just took the opportunity and let it fly.”
This trust and confidence in each other were pivotal in securing the win.
Aaliyah Moore reinforced the team’s mindset heading into the next round.
“We’re not satisfied,” Moore said. “We celebrate the wins but we’re staying focused on the bigger picture. We know what we’re capable of.”
This focus on the larger goal underscores the team’s ambition and determination.
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Schaefer stressed the importance of preparation moving forward.
“It’s all about preparation now. We’ll break down the film, correct our mistakes and get ready for whoever’s next. This group is locked in and I have full confidence in them,” he emphasized.
Harmon echoed on, noting that the team is focused on staying sharp.
“We’re going to enjoy this win for a little bit but then it’s straight to preparation. Every team left is tough and we have to be ready to compete at the highest level,” Harmon said.
The post-game interview of the Longhorns demonstrated their focus while showing determination alongside preparation for upcoming challenges. The team members emphasized both the importance of their victory and their continuing dedication to achieving their championship destination in the tournament.
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