Texas Triumphs Over Michigan to Secure Final Four Spot in NCAA Tournament Showdown
March 31, 2026
Texas, riding a wave of depth and balance led by guard Rori Harmon and All-American forward Madison Booker, dominated early NCAA Tournament rounds with an average margin of victory and posted a 77-41 Elite Eight win over Michigan to reach the Final Four.
Michigan struggled on offense, with Olivia Olson and Syla Swords totaling 19 points on 5-of-28 shooting, and Olson didn’t score until the 7:12 mark of the third quarter.
Texas opened with a 10-0 run and led 22-9 after the first quarter, maintaining the lead as Michigan narrowed the gap but could not close it.
Coach Vic Schaefer emphasized the team’s depth and the importance of building layered, resilient squads capable of producing production from multiple players when opponents shut down a single scorer.
The Final Four features the same four teams as last year—UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina—marking back-to-back appearances in the final weekend for the quartet.
South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, is a frequent Final Four participant with a stout 35-3 record and top defensive metrics, led by Joyce Edwards’ 19.6 points per game.
Texas secured 17 home wins this season, including two NCAA Tournament victories at Crisler Center, underscoring their homegrown versatility.
The loss closes the chapter for Texas seniors Brooke Quarles Daniels, Alyssa Crockett, and Ally VanTimmeren on this stage.
Top seeds have dominated the tournament, and a potential third or fourth meeting among the elite programs could shape the national championship landscape.
Michigan’s season ends, but the program heads into the offseason with returning core players and optimism for next year.
UConn’s sustained dominance under Geno Auriemma is highlighted by multiple records, including a long winning streak and their overall national championship pedigree.
South Carolina pounded its path to the Final Four with decisive wins and set up a potential rematch against UConn, deepening the national title storyline.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

The Athletic • Mar 31, 2026
Texas decimates Michigan for return trip to Final Four
The Guardian • Mar 31, 2026
Women’s Final Four on repeat as UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina fight for title
University of Michigan Athletics • Mar 30, 2026
Michigan's Historic Season Ends in Elite Eight with Loss to No. 3 Texas - University of Michigan Athletics
Longhorns Country • Mar 31, 2026
Texas Longhorns Advance to Final Four After Domination of Michigan