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5 Ways Texas Must Improve to Make Final Four Next Year

By James Caldwell

Mar 24, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; The Texas Longhorns stand on the court after being defeated by the Stanford Cardinal in the semifinals of the Lexington Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; The Texas Longhorns stand on the court after being defeated by the Stanford Cardinal in the semifinals of the Lexington Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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(1) Develop An Edge and Toughness

Mar 24, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Alanna Smith (11) blocks a shot against Texas Longhorns guard Lashann Higgs (10) in the second half in the semifinals of the Lexington Regional of the women’s 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Alanna Smith (11) blocks a shot against Texas Longhorns guard Lashann Higgs (10) in the second half in the semifinals of the Lexington Regional of the women’s 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The categories we’re talking about are areas where Texas is essentially an 8 on a scale of 1-10. Right now, 8 is good enough to get to the second weekend three straight years.

But, to get to the third weekend, the Longhorns need to reach 9 or 10 on the scale.

This starts with developing more mental and physical toughness. The best example is how the second half of Texas’ loss to Stanford started.

The Horns took a 7-point lead into halftime, then suddenly were only up by 1 point after the first minute of the third quarter. How did that happen? Texas allowed two offensive rebounds, fouled a shooter, and gave up two three-pointers all on the same possession. That cannot happen.

Texas was so good during long stretches of the season weathering these types of storms. They went on the road to Florida State and won an epic double overtime game against a Top 10 team. They also beat #2 Baylor in Waco after withstanding a furious fourth quarter rally.

But, they also lost to Baylor at home with a poor second half, just like the Stanford game. Texas has to develop more mental and physical toughness to consistently beat the elite teams in women’s college basketball.

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