Texas women's basketball on to Sweet 16 after beating Bama

Texas Women's Basketball took on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was a preview of a potential SEC rivalry between both teams starting next season. It was a closely contested game for all 40 minutes tonight.

When the dust settled, the Longhorns beat the Crimson Tide 65-54 to advance to the Sweet 16. Forwards Madison Booker and Aaliyah Moore combined for 42 points in the win tonight. Here are the three takeaways from the victory over the Crimson Tide.

Texas Women's Basketball vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: 3. Taking care of the glass

The Longhorns needed to limit the damage from the Crimson Tide on the boards, and they did that. The Crimson Tide only scored 22 points in the paint tonight compared to scoring 36 in the paint against the Florida State Seminoles.

It was even more impressive that the Longhorns limited Crimson Tide Freshman forward Essence Cody to six points and six rebounds tonight. They made it a one-dimensional game for the Crimson Tide. It was a solid defensive effort by the Longhorns tonight.

Texas Women's Basketball vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: 2. Booker and Moore's combined 42 points

The Longhorns needed Booker and Moore to contribute tonight if they wanted a shot at winning, and they delivered. Their combined 42 points helped the Longhorns calm the Crimson Tide's chances of advancing to the next round.

Booker was a lot more composed tonight on the court. She was taking her time making her shots and connecting on them. The Longhorns will need both players on their a-game next round against Utah or Gonzaga.

Texas Women's Basketball vs. Alabama Crimson Tide: 1. Keeping composure

The one thing that impressed me from today's win over the Crimson Tide was the composure of the Longhorns. They didn't get flustered against Alabama when they kept pace with the Longhorns. They just played how Texas Longhorns Women's Basketball Head Coach Vic Schaefer preached all year. This was a big test for the Longhorns since they are moving to the SEC next season.

They will be seeing Alabama a lot more starting next season. Until then, the Longhorns await the winner of the Utah vs. Gonzaga game.

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