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3 Longhorns Who Could End UCLA's Tournament Run

Here are three Texas players who could send UCLA packing in the Final Four.
Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalić (32) and center Lauren Betts (51) celebrate after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalić (32) and center Lauren Betts (51) celebrate after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

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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

Harmo
Mar 30, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) shoots a free throw against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

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

Booke
Mar 30, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) controls the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Olivia Olson (1) defends during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

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

oldacr
Mar 30, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) reacts as Michigan Wolverines forward Kendall Dudley (22) defends during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

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.

xclos
Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close during practice prior to a 2026 NCAA Final Four women's basketball semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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 L. Ferguson Jr.
ANDREW L. FERGUSON JR

Andrew Ferguson is currently pursuing his sports journalism degree from UNLV. He is turning his lifelong passion for sports into his career.