BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Texas coach Vic Schaefer first met Madison Booker when Booker was a middle schooler. Even then, he could tell that the future Longhorns wing would be a special talent. On Monday in Birmingham, Booker showed why she is already regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stars despite being a sophomore.
The top-seeded Longhorns’ 58-47 Elite Eight victory over No. 2 TCU was far from the prettiest of games, but Booker’s trademark mid-range jumper was as picturesque as any aspect of it. Her fadeaway with 2:02 remaining and Texas clinging to a six-point lead was a fitting finishing move. She ended up with a game-high 18 points and six rebounds, playing all but two minutes of the win.
Texas is moving on to its first Final Four since 2003. In recent years, the Longhorns had knocked at the door of the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament, having lost in the Elite Eight in three of the last four seasons. Not on Monday, though. Not against their in-state opponent. Texas’ 35th victory of the season is also a new program record.
TCU had a historic year as well. The Horned Frogs had never made a Sweet 16 before, let alone come within 40 minutes of a Final Four. Their 34 wins are a school record. But against Texas, TCU’s elite offense had to grind out every…
