Texas (35-3) appeared in its last championship in 1986, when the Longhorns went 34-0. UCLA (35-1) has never been to a title game.”For us being back here again in the Final Four, it’s a hard task to do,” Texas forward Madison Booker said. “Right now, we’re trying to take it day by day. I think being present where you are. I think also sitting back and looking back at what you accomplished this season, kind of saying good job to yourself.”

USA TODAY Sports All-American Lauren Betts leads the Bruins with 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and a 57.9% field goal percentage. Booker, also a USA TODAY All-American pick, paces the Longhorns with 19.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Here’s what to know and how to watch the Final Four matchup between UCLA and Texas:

UCLA vs. Texas: Final Four date, start time

The UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns will face off Friday, April 3 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

On Thursday, Cyclones center Audi Crooks announced her intention to enter the transfer portal. Crooks’ departure marked the 10th Iowa State player to reveal they will be leaving the team to pursue other options. A large number of players switching teams isn’t uncommon in the transfer portal era, but Fennelly’s program has been hit particularly hard in recent days.

When Schaefer was asked about what Fennelly is experiencing from a coach’s perspective, he paused, shaking his head and rubbing his hands together, deep in thought and visibly emotional. Eventually, he gave a heartfelt response to on-site media in the room ahead of Texas’ Final Four matchup on Friday against UCLA (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

“I mean, you’re talking about somebody that’s literally given his life to this game. It is hard. I’m obviously friends with Bill. His whole family has given so much to this game, to so many young women,” said Schaefer.

“It’s just not the same. It’s just not the same job it was five years ago, certainly not what it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. It’s just way different. … There was a thing called the dinosaur a while ago. What happened to them? They couldn’t figure it out. What happened? They became extinct. We better figure it out, or we’re going to become extinct. That’s just the way it is.”

Ultimately, Schaefer later admitted that he was saddened by what was happening to Fennelly.

“I’m so disheartened and disappointed, especially for him, because I know what he’s given to this game his whole life,” Schaefer said.

More transfer portal: Five destinations for Audi Crooks

Fennelly released a statement on Thursday, sharing how much college basketball has changed and reassuring fans that Iowa State would move forward.

“It goes without saying that college sports have undergone tremendous change the past few years, and our program has obviously been impacted by the current landscape this spring. While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on,” Fennelly said.

“I look forward with enthusiasm to next season and promise you, we will have a team that represents all of you the Iowa State way.”