FORT WORTH, Texas (03/29/2026) — The Texas Longhorns delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor Sunday, dismantling the Michigan Wolverines 77-41 at Dickies Arena. Texas controlled the game from the opening tip, showcasing a potent offense and a suffocating defense that never allowed Michigan to find its rhythm.
The statistical gulf between the two teams tells the story of the lopsided contest. The Longhorns shot an efficient 47% from the field and dominated the glass, outrebounding the Wolverines 49-32. Conversely, Michigan faced challenges offensively all afternoon, shooting just 23% from the floor and 13% from beyond the arc while committing 15 turnovers.
How It Happened
Texas established its dominance early and never relented. The Longhorns scored the first points of the game on a 13-foot jumper from Justice Carlton just 20 seconds into the contest and never trailed. A layup by Breya Cunningham with 31 seconds left in the opening frame pushed the Texas lead to 22-9, capping a quarter where the Longhorns asserted complete control.
Michigan attempted to claw back in the second quarter. Syla Swords connected on a 25-foot three-pointer at the 8:33 mark to cut the deficit to 25-12, and another three from Swords with 12 seconds remaining in the half brought the score to 34-21. Despite these brief offensive sparks from the Wolverines, Texas consistently answered and took a comfortable 13-point lead into the break.
The second half saw the Longhorns put the game away for good. After an Olivia Olson jumper made it 34-23 early in the third, Texas methodically pulled away. The Longhorns closed the period on a 21-6 run, punctuated by free throws from Mila Holloway that made the score 55-29 heading into the final quarter.
The Turning Point
The decisive blow came in a dominant stretch spanning the end of the third and the start of the fourth quarter. Holding a 55-29 lead, Texas ignited a stunning 14-0 run that completely broke the game open. The sequence began with a driving layup by Justice Carlton at the 9:16 mark of the fourth. Carlton followed up with a 24-foot three-pointer, and an Aaliyah Crump three-pointer just moments later at the 6:18 mark ballooned the lead to 67-29. This offensive explosion erased any remaining doubt and turned the final minutes into a formality.
Star of the Game
While several Longhorns had standout performances, forward Madison Booker was the primary offensive catalyst. Booker led all scorers with 19 points on efficient shooting and added seven rebounds and an assist. She consistently created scoring opportunities and set the tone for the Texas attack.
The Longhorns' victory was a true team effort, with four players scoring in double figures. Justice Carlton contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while center Kyla Oldacre recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Breya Cunningham added 11 points and seven boards, highlighting the depth and balance of the Texas roster.
For Michigan, Mila Holloway and Olivia Olson were the high-point scorers, each finishing with 11 points.
What It Means
For the Texas Longhorns, this victory is a powerful statement. Their ability to dominate a quality opponent in every facet of the game—offense, defense, and rebounding—signals their readiness for the challenges ahead. The balanced scoring and defensive intensity displayed at Dickies Arena are hallmarks of a team built for a deep run.
For the Michigan Wolverines, the loss marks a difficult conclusion to their season. The offensive struggles against an elite SEC defense highlight areas for offseason focus. The team fought hard but was ultimately outmatched by the size, speed, and execution of the Longhorns.
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