Texas Women’s Basketball Overpowers William & Mary in First Round Rout, Sets Sights on Sweet 16

In a dominant display of power, depth, and postseason composure, No. 1 seed Texas women’s basketball dismantled No. 16 seed William & Mary 105–61 on Saturday at the Moody Center, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While the early minutes suggested a competitive clash, the Longhorns quickly extinguished any hope of a historic upset, outscoring the Tribe 85–43 across the final three quarters.

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer’s squad entered the tournament as a title contender, and their performance on Saturday underscored why. Despite a slow first quarter and a surprising starting lineup change—freshman Jordan Lee making just her fourth start—Texas found its rhythm quickly and showcased the physicality, pace, and versatility that have defined its 32–3 season.

A Balanced Texas Attack

The Longhorns' early hesitancy gave way to explosive momentum by the second quarter. After ending the first with a narrow 20–18 lead, Texas ignited a massive 18–2 run to begin the second, pushing the score to 38–20 within five minutes. From there, the game was firmly in their control.

Sophomore standout Madison Booker led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, her eighth double-double of the season. Her efficient 8-of-11 shooting and consistent composure set the tone for the Texas offense. Senior forward Taylor Jones, a veteran of tournament play, added 19 points, while junior center Kyla Oldacre was a dominant force in the paint, securing a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double. The trio exemplified Schaefer’s "two-headed monster" frontcourt strategy, overwhelming William & Mary’s smaller rotation.\

Freshman Jordan Lee capitalized on her starting opportunity, contributing 13 points with a perfect outing at the free-throw line and three 3-pointers. Her performance signaled both poise and promise, giving Texas another dependable weapon as the tournament progresses. Junior guard Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda added 10 points, becoming the fifth Longhorn to reach double figures and delivering Texas its 100th point.

The Longhorns’ efficiency was striking: 54.7% shooting from the field and 56.8% in the second half, alongside a relentless rebounding edge and a bench that maintained the same intensity as the starters. With every Texas player contributing on the scoreboard, the team looked less like a collection of individuals and more like a well-oiled machine ready for a deep tournament run.

A Historic Season Ends for William & Mary

While the final score may not reflect it, William & Mary walked away from the 2024–25 season with heads held high. The Tribe’s tournament debut followed a historic run that included their first-ever CAA Championship and a First Four victory over High Point. Facing the nation’s top seed just two days later, they came out swinging and kept pace for much of the first quarter.

Senior guard Bella Nascimento capped off a stellar collegiate career with 19 points and seven rebounds. Named MVP of the CAA Tournament, Nascimento closed her season with 580 total points—second-most in a single season in program history. Her leadership and shot-making were on full display in her final game, even as Texas tightened its defensive grip.

Sophomore Cassidy Geddes added 14 points, including two 3-pointers, and five rebounds, while fellow sophomore Monet Dance dished out a career-high seven assists with only two turnovers in 32 minutes—an impressive feat against Texas’ elite pressure defense. Senior Anahi-Lee Cauley also provided a spark, nearly perfect from the floor with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Despite the lopsided final margin, William & Mary’s ability to hit 43.8% of its 3-point attempts (7-of-16) and shoot nearly 39% from the field overall speaks to the resilience and growth of a program stepping onto the national stage for the first time.

Texas Eyes the Sweet 16

With this win, Texas moves on to face No. 8 Illinois, who narrowly defeated No. 9 Creighton earlier in the day. The matchup promises a test of two very different styles: Texas' bruising physicality and fast-paced transition game against Illinois' more deliberate and guard-oriented attack.

If Saturday's performance was any indication, Texas is entering the second round with momentum and confidence. The team's ability to adapt mid-game, spread scoring responsibilities, and maintain intensity throughout four quarters makes them a legitimate title threat. The challenge now lies in sustaining that focus against progressively stronger competition.

Takeaways

• Depth and Versatility: Texas' dominance came not from one superstar effort, but from a collective execution. With five players in double digits and all seeing court time, Schaefer has cultivated a roster ready to handle the grind of March.
• Rising Freshman Impact: Jordan Lee’s strong showing on the national stage bodes well for Texas’ future and adds a new dimension to their backcourt heading into the Sweet 16.
• William & Mary’s Bright Future: The Tribe may have exited the tournament, but their season will be remembered as a turning point. With key sophomores gaining valuable postseason experience, the foundation is there for a return trip in the near future.
• Momentum is Everything: Texas demonstrated how quickly a game can shift. Their explosive second quarter put the game out of reach in minutes—a reminder that elite teams don’t just win, they bury opponents once they smell blood.

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As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, Texas has made a resounding statement: they're not just a No. 1 seed on paper—they’re playing like one too.