Colossal start sends Texas soaring to second straight Final Four appearance

Texas women's basketball faced off against the Michigan Wolverines for a spot in the Final Four against the UCLA Bruins. There was a little animosity from the Michigan Wolverines in the past couple of days after they said they were motivated coming into tonight's game, following Texas misplacing their nameplate as the regional champion.

However, Texas came out swinging, as they usually do, by winning 77-41 over the Wolverines. Texas will advance to its second consecutive Final Four appearance.

I'm impressed with how the Longhorns handled the noise the past couple of days and came to play tonight. That's what I like to call settling business on the court. The Wolverines had an amazing season, and they should be proud to reach the Elite 8. It's a hard mountain to climb, even for the toughest of basketball teams.

Here are four takeaways from tonight's win over the Wolverines at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

1. Texas loves taking control immediately

Texas came out swinging hard as expected, and they went on an impressive run early as Michigan turned the ball over and missed shots.

The Wolverines probably thought it had a shot at setting the pace in the first quarter. However, Texas shut that down immediately. UCLA might be in for a world of hurt if this is how Texas comes out of the gate on Friday in Phoenix against the Bruins.

2. Madison Booker can do it all

I'm tired of the disrespect Madison Booker has gotten this season, from postseason awards to people not knowing much about her style of play. She's like the Swiss Army Knife of the Longhorns, and she can do anything that you need on the court.

She needs to be considered the number one player in College Basketball. With all due respect to Hannah Hildago and her accomplishments in the sport, Booker is just a more all-around player than she is.

3. Texas couldn't miss in the first quarter

I did not have the Longhorns shooting 92% in the first quarter tonight on my bingo card. That is the biggest shooting percentage in a single quarter in the Vic Schaefer era. It's why everyone was talking on social media about how Texas was prepared and focused tonight. Texas quieted down a little bit in the second quarter but continued the offensive explosion throughout the game.

4. Another Final Four appearance for the Longhorns

With the win this evening, Texas is back in the Final Four for a second consecutive season. They will take on the UCLA Bruins in their second matchup of the season.

You probably remember that Texas beat them in Vegas with a limited bench. The Bruins might want some revenge the second time around, and it will be a tough game for the Longhorns. It only gets harder for the Longhorns as they climb the mountain to the National Championship game.