BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Madison Booker recognized the importance of the moment in front of her.
With Texas and Tennessee tied at 50 heading into the fourth quarter of Saturday afternoon’s Sweet 16 matchup, the Longhorns forward knew she needed to bring more for her teammates. Typically, Booker steps up by sinking smooth midrange jumpers or using her ranginess to slow the opponent she is guarding. But with the Longhorns’ season at a momentary inflection point, she stood up and spoke up.
While coach Vic Schaefer was taking part in a mid-quarter TV interview, Booker told her teammates seated in front of her that they needed to focus more.