In a blistering start, the Longhorns shot 71% to take a 14-point lead. They then extended it to 26 in the final quarter. Texas was able to stop Utah’s shooters defensively. In a win over Arkansas, the Utes shot 15 3-pointers. However, Texas only managed to shoot 6 of 20 long-range shots against Texas.
The No. The No. 2 seed in Spokane, Washington’s regional, Texas (28-6), will face the winner of Monday’s matchup between No. 3 seed LSU, and No. 6 Ohio State. Last season, the Longhorns reached the regional final.
Kennady McCQueen was the No. 7 Utah ( 21-12), with 18 points.
Moore is one of the top players in the tournament’s second round. She scored 14 points in the second quarter against Utah after scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds against Fairfield. Moore shot 9 of 10 in the game.
Texas led 17-17 at the end of the first quarter. The teams raced up and around the court. After allowing just one turnover in each period, Texas’ defense was able to force six in the second. The Longhorns quickly increased their lead by a steady stream of passes from Rori Harm to Moore at the post.
The third quarter opened with Harmon scoring a left-wing 3-pointer, and Moore scored a Moore 3-pointer to increase the lead to 20.
Although the wave of 3-pointers Utah made in the first round was brief, McQueen scored three in the second quarter. The Utes never recovered in time to rally.
BIG PICTURE
Utah: Dru Gylten is the only senior on the Utes’ team. This was the team that won the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011, and led the Pac-12 scoring.
Texas: Utah would have thought that they had the depth and ability to match the Longhorns in an exciting game. After their first loss, the Utes appeared fresh. Texas scored 44-10 to the Utes’ bench. Moore and Aliyah Matharu combined for 35 point scoring.
