3 Longhorns Who Could End UCLA's Tournament Run

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Even though UCLA has reached the Final Four, there is still a long road ahead.
UCLA’s only loss this season came back in November against Texas, the same team the Bruins will now face in the Final Four. While both teams have taken different paths since that matchup, the overall talent on either side has not changed significantly.
Rori Harmon | G

Rori Harmon is definitely a player UCLA needs to keep an eye on. This season, she is averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while shooting 45.6% from the field. While those numbers may not jump off the page, it is important to remember that Harmon scored 26 points in the team’s previous matchup earlier this season.
If Harmon finds that rhythm again, the Bruins could be in trouble. She was clearly the difference-maker in Texas’s earlier win over UCLA. However, since that game, Harmon has not scored 20 or more points again this season, suggesting that the performance was somewhat of an outlier.
Madison Booker | F

Madison Booker has been one of the best players in all of college basketball this season. She is averaging 19.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 52.3% from the field. Her ability to score consistently makes her one of the most dangerous players UCLA will face.
Her defense is also something UCLA must take seriously. Booker is averaging 2.2 steals per game, which could create problems for a Bruins team that has struggled with ball security at times this season. If Booker is able to capitalize on those mistakes, it could swing the game heavily in Texas’s favor.
Kyla Oldacre | C

Kyla Oldacre has also been elite in the paint for Texas this season. Standing at 6-foot-6, she is set up for a major matchup against Lauren Betts. Oldacre is averaging 10.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 62.3% from the field and recording 1.2 blocks per game.
If Oldacre can control the paint, UCLA may struggle to establish momentum. Even with Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic protecting the interior, slowing down Oldacre will still be a significant challenge for the Bruins.

The bottom line is that UCLA has more than enough talent to challenge Texas. However, the same can be said for the Longhorns. If there is one thing that is certain, UCLA will need to approach this matchup carefully.
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Andrew Ferguson is currently pursuing his sports journalism degree from UNLV. He is turning his lifelong passion for sports into his career.