Amina Muhammad made a triumphant return to Austin, leading the Oregon Ducks to a decisive victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies in the NCAA Tournament's first round. The No. 8-seed Ducks outplayed the No. 9-seed Hokies at the Moody Center, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Muhammad's former team, the Texas Longhorns.
In a limited 14-minute appearance, Muhammad contributed seven points and three rebounds, making her presence felt on her old home court. Her performance helped propel Oregon into the tournament's second round, where they are likely to face the top-seeded Longhorns.
Two years ago, Muhammad wore the burnt orange of Texas under head coach Vic Schaefer. Now, she stands ready to face her past, expressing mixed emotions about the potential matchup. "Bittersweet," she described it, but emphasized her readiness and confidence in her team.
Texas, meanwhile, was heavily favored to defeat the Missouri State Lady Bears in their first-round matchup, setting the stage for a likely clash with Oregon. The prospect of facing her former teammates adds an intriguing layer to Muhammad's return to the Moody Center.
Reflecting on her homecoming, Muhammad shared her excitement about playing in Austin. "It's great, honestly. I wanted us to be in Texas because it's my hometown," she said, expressing her fondness for the Moody Center court.
The Ducks' convincing 70-60 victory over Virginia Tech showcased their readiness for the challenges ahead. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Muhammad and Oregon as they potentially face the Longhorns in what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter.