play
Stanford holds off Texas to advance to Final Four (1:27)

Three players scored in a 59-50 victory over Texas. The song is called "1:27."

11:42 PM ET

The top seed in the women's basketball tournament, the Cardinal, advanced to the national semifinals with a 59-50 win over the No. 2 seed.

The 14th Final Four appearance for the Cardinal is under legendary coach Tara VanDerveer.

It does not get old, according to VanDerveer. I am really happy. They care about each other, they will do whatever, it is a great group to be with. I was not worried about the effort today.

We have great leadership, and I think whoever we play, we will be ready.

The Longhorns were the first to face the Cardinal. When these teams met in Palo Alto, Texas in November, the Longhorns spoiled the ring-night celebration of last season's title with a fourth-quarter comeback to win 61-56.

It was the same five-point lead as Sunday. The Cardinal made it stand up thanks to the play of senior Lexie Hull, who scored a game-high 20 points in front of family and friends in her hometown.

When the Longhorns cut the lead to two, Hull converted a free throw for a three-point play. Hull made two free throws to give the Cardinal a two-possession lead.

Texas coach said it was a big play.

Lacie was not the best player in the November game, but her play was a key difference. Kiana Williams left for the WNBA after the championship, and it was difficult to replace her. Against Texas, the Cardinal handed out a season-low seven assists and turned the ball over 20 times.

The team gave the ball away 20 times on Sunday, including 11 in the second half. Lacie Hull and Haley Jones both had four assists as the Cardinal doubled their November total.

The Hull twins were given the chance to finish cutting down the nets. Lexie Hull had something around her neck.

She said after the game that she knew someone in the gym. Lacie and I were told at the end of the game that we would get the nets. We were really excited to have that opportunity tonight and felt the love and support from everyone.

Key contributions from multiple players have been the case all season for the Cardinal. In the third quarter, Brink scored all 10 of her points after spending most of the first half on the bench in foul trouble. At the half, Brink said VanDerveer asked her if she wanted to start the third quarter.

The Longhorns came back to tie the game midway through the third period after falling behind by eight. Second Spectrum camera tracking shows that the Cardinal went to a zone for the first time in the NCAA tournament.

I think there is a little change of pace. I don't like giving up 3s.

The change paid off. Brink had three blocks and a steal on the next five possessions as Texas was held to three points the rest of the quarter. The Longhorns scored 12 points on 19 possessions against the zone. The two teams that entered the game with the nation's longest winning streaks were in a close game.

Texas left points at the foul line, having shot just 11-of-20 free throws.

When you play in these games, you have to make free throws, and we have done that until today.

The Cardinal players were dancing in celebration. If the team advanced to the Final Four, VanDerveer proposed a group dance. The whole team went through practice after watching film Saturday, after an individual session with Jones as VanDerveer's lead teacher among a group that also included reserves Jordan Hamilton and Kiki Iriafen.

It loosened people up and showed them that I had confidence in them.

There is no dispute that the title of the Final Four will be defended by Stanford.