Women's NCAA Birmingham roundup: No.1 Texas cruises past No. 8 Illinois

Field Level Media|published: Mon 24th March, 16:37 2025

Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer watches from the sideline during the first round NCAA playoff game against William & Mary at the Moody Center on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Madison Booker scored a game-high 20 points and reserve Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 19 Monday as top-seeded Texas cruised past eighth-seeded Illinois 65-48 in a second-round matchup of the NCAA Women's Tournament in Austin, Texas.

Taylor Jones chipped in 12 points for the Longhorns (33-3), which advance to the Sweet 16 on Saturday for a matchup with fifth-seeded Tennessee. Texas hit 46.7 percent of its shots from the field and enjoyed a 36-18 advantage in points in the paint.

Adalia McKenzie scored 13 points for the Fighting Illini (22-10) and Berry Wallace added 12 but they couldn't do much with the Longhorns' tough defense. Illinois made only 16 of 42 shots from the field and coughed up 20 turnovers that were turned into 23 points.

The Illini led 12-10 late in the first quarter but managed only six points for the half's remainder and trailed 34-18 at the break. Texas led by as many as 26 points in the fourth quarter.

--Field Level Media