Texas star Madison Booker delivered when it mattered most, shaking off a quiet opening half to orchestrate a dominant fourth-quarter performance that lifted the Longhorns to the Players Era Championship crown over No. 1 South Carolina.
Booker, who struggled to find her rhythm early, flipped the switch in the final period. The sophomore showcased her elite scoring versatility, repeatedly getting to her favorite mid-range spots and dictating the pace of the game with the poise of a veteran. Her ability to slow the game down, read the defense, and strike with precision became the difference-maker down the stretch.
One of her biggest advantages? Size. Booker used her strength and length to bully her way into the post, creating space for smooth turnaround jumpers that South Carolina simply had no answer for. Whether facing up or backing down defenders, she controlled late possessions and gave Texas the offensive spark it desperately needed.
By the final buzzer, Booker had powered Texas with 16 points and 9 rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double but more than making her presence felt in championship moments. Her second-half resurgence, particularly in the fourth quarter, set the tone and helped the Longhorns secure the 66–64 victory over the Gamecocks.
The win not only highlighted Texas’ grit but further cemented Booker’s reputation as one of college basketball’s premier closers — a player who rises when the stakes are highest and the spotlight is brightest.
If her fourth-quarter takeover in Las Vegas is any indication, Madison Booker is only getting started.
