The Longhorns are set to face the William & Mary Tribe in an unlikely and expected matchup in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64. As the Texas women's basketball team flies towards their first game in the Big Dance, here are a few players who head coach Vic Schaefer needs to prepare his team for.
Bella Nascimento, Senior guard
William & Mary senior guard Bella Nascimento has been on a hot streak as the Tribe has progressed through its offseason. In her team's win in the CAA Championship game, she put up 33 points and 11 rebounds.
In William & Mary's First Four matchup against High Point, Nascimento contributed 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Schaefer will most likely give veteran guard Rori Harmon on the Nascimento assignment and the W&M guard has a couple of inches on the Longhorn which could cause a problem for Texas.
Monet Dance, Sophomore guard
Alongside Nascimento, Tribe guard Monet Dance had an impressive performance in the team's first NCAA Tournament game. Dance put up 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal as she sped through the High Point defense.
Dance looked like she had an innate ability to drive to the basket during the First Four game and had incredibly quick hands on defense. However, at just 5-foot-3, she is extremely undersized.
Natalie Fox, Freshman forward
True freshman forward Natalie Fox had one of her best games this season in the First Four game for William & Mary. She contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, alongside four blocks, one assist, and one steal.
At 6-foot-4 she has a similar size to some of Texas' taller players but her lack of collegiate experience should give the Longhorns a leg up in the paint.
Texas and William & Mary are scheduled to tip off at 8:45 p.m. CT from the Moody Center in Austin, TX. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.