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Texas Women Survive & Advance in Epic NCAA Tournament Game

By James Caldwell

Feb 6, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard/forward Joyner Holmes (24) reacts during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard/forward Joyner Holmes (24) reacts during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Women’s Basketball survived and advanced in the NCAA Tournament Sunday afternoon in Austin.

The Lady Longhorns’ big stars, Brooke McCarty and Joyner Holmes, did their best work when it counted to make the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.

The result was Texas winning 84-80 over North Carolina State in an epic tournament game.

Down the stretch, Texas led by one point with less than 30 seconds on the clock. After Texas turned the ball over a shot clock violation, the Wolf Pack had a chance to take the lead. But, Big 12 Freshman of the Year Joyner Holmes drew a charge on Dominique Wilson driving to the hoop.

On the subsequent inbounds pass, Lashann Higgs was fouled to stop the clock. Higgs made her first free throw and missed the second. But, Joyner Holmes crashed the glass without fouling, grabbed an offensive rebound, and scored on a putback to give Texas the final advantage of 84-80, setting off a wild celebration at the Erwin Center.

Texas Basketball Survives Terrific NCAA Tournament Opponent

Texas was in trouble mid-way through the fourth quarter when they could not stop N.C. State’s Miah Spencer and Dominique Wilson.

But, Big 12 Player of the Year Brooke McCarty kept Texas in the game with great shooting and passing.

After battling the entire fourth quarter to try to re-take the lead, Texas broke through when Ariel Atkins made two free throws with 90 seconds left in the game.

Then, Miah Spencer fouled out with one minute left, which changed the complexion of the game.

From there, Texas put the clamps on N.C. State and forced two key turnovers to take control of the game in the final minute. That set up Holmes’ epic defensive play and offensive rebound to secure the win.

Texas Looked Ready For Domination in First Quarter

Texas shot the lights out in the first quarter, tallying 28 points on 80 percent shooting. The Horns had momentum, rhythm, and wide-open looks.

But, after the Horns took a 13-point lead into the second quarter, they started to cool off. And, N.C. State heated up on their end of the court. The result was Texas only had a one point lead of 37-36 at halftime.

Then in the third quarter, Texas got off to a good start, but the Wolf Pack went on an extended run while the Horns lost their shooting touch. Texas had no answer for Spencer and Wilson as the Wolf Pack extended to an 8-point lead.

But, N.C. State never got to a double-digit lead. And, Joyner Holmes made a rare three-pointer just before the end of the quarter to bring Texas within 5 points and give the Longhorns momentum heading into the final frame.

In the final period, the Longhorns fanbase helped rally the Horns back from another eight-point deficit mid-way through the quarter. It started with Brooke McCarty nailing shots and being the leader the Longhorns needed.

The final tally for the top players in the game:

  • Brooke McCarty – 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
  • Joyner Holmes – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists
  • Miah Spencer – 31 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
  • Dominique Wilson – 27 points, 1 rebound, 4 steals

Next: Here's All The Streaks Texas Broke vs. Baylor in Waco

Next up for the Longhorns is a trip to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year. Texas will face the winner of the Stanford vs. Kansas State game, which takes place on Monday.

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