The pressure on No. 5 Texas women’s basketball is intense – but nothing compared to the heat they bring upon themselves. Head coach Vic Schaefer, with his championship aspirations, has one clear goal: win the last game of the year.
Schaefer’s proven track record as a championship contender, having led Mississippi State to two NCAA finals, fuels the fire. In his four seasons at Texas, he’s led the Longhorns to three Elite Eight appearances, but the national title still eludes him. Last year, even without star guard Rori Harmon due to injury, Schaefer’s squad came close, showing they have the grit and determination to compete at the highest level.
The Longhorns are battle-tested this season, with wins over powerhouse programs: No. 12 West Virginia, No. 9 Oklahoma, and a stunning 38-point blowout of No. 8 Maryland. Despite setbacks to No. 10 Notre Dame and No. 2 South Carolina, Texas has bounced back, powering through a nine-game winning streak that included key victories over Oklahoma and Alabama.
But the road to a title is far from easy. The next stretch of games is a gauntlet: facing off against reigning champions No. 2 South Carolina and No. 7 LSU, with a tough battle at No. 12 Kentucky thrown in between. These upcoming matchups will reveal if Texas is ready to not only reach the Final Four but challenge for the ultimate prize.
With Schaefer leading the charge and a roster brimming with talent, Texas has the potential to live up to the championship expectations. The pressure is on, but this team is built to handle it. The question now: will they rise to the occasion and prove they’re ready to win it all?
