On February 16, 2025, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team secured a 65-58 victory over the No. 5 LSU Tigers at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This win marked Texas’s third consecutive triumph over top-10 opponents, a feat not achieved since the 2004-05 Rutgers team.
First Half: LSU’s Dominance
The game commenced with LSU asserting control, leveraging their high-powered offense and aggressive defense. The Tigers’ star guard, Mikaylah Williams, was instrumental, contributing 18 points in the first half. LSU’s defense effectively stifled Texas’s offensive plays, leading to a substantial halftime lead.
Second Half: Texas’s Resurgence
The Longhorns emerged from halftime with renewed vigor. They intensified their defensive efforts, limiting LSU’s scoring opportunities. Offensively, Texas capitalized on their free-throw shooting, converting all 21 attempts, a critical factor in their comeback.
Key Performances
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Texas Longhorns:
- Taylor Jones: 12 points and 8 rebounds.
- Rori Harmon: 10 points, including two crucial jumpers in the final minutes.
- Team Performance: Perfect 21-for-21 from the free-throw line.
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LSU Tigers:
- Mikaylah Williams: 18 points.
- Flau’jae Johnson: 16 points.
- Aneesah Morrow: 15 points and 20 rebounds.
Implications of the Game
This victory bolstered Texas’s position in the Southeastern Conference standings, enhancing their prospects for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The win also underscored the Longhorns’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that will be vital as they approach the postseason.
The 65-58 loss for LSU to Texas was not just a defeat on the scoreboard but a hard-fought battle that emphasized the evolving nature of college basketball. LSU came into the game as one of the top teams in the nation, and the loss will certainly add a layer of complexity to their tournament hopes, but also provides them with invaluable lessons as they prepare for their postseason run.
The Impact of LSU’s Defensive Strategy
LSU’s defense, often lauded as one of the most formidable in the country, started the game strong, stifling Texas’s offense in the opening minutes. LSU’s defensive scheme focused on limiting Texas’s key players, specifically Rori Harmon, who was capable of creating opportunities for her teammates. Early in the game, LSU’s combination of tight perimeter defense and active hands in the paint led to several turnovers by Texas, which allowed LSU to get out in transition and establish an early lead.
One of the most notable elements of LSU’s defense was their ability to limit the Texas Longhorns’ fast breaks. LSU has one of the quickest defenses in the nation, and they used that speed to trap Texas’s ball handlers in the half court, forcing them into contested shots. Mikaylah Williams, the standout guard for LSU, had several steals that she turned into easy points, providing a major lift for LSU. Her offensive brilliance, particularly in the first half, was a driving factor for LSU to take a commanding lead.
However, as the game wore on, the pressure from Texas began to expose some vulnerabilities in LSU’s defense. Despite strong individual performances, the team’s overall defensive cohesion faltered in the second half, allowing Texas to make a comeback.
Texas’s Turnaround: A Showcase of Resilience
In the second half, Texas adjusted their approach and took control of the game. The Longhorns came out of the locker room with more urgency, as head coach Vic Schaefer’s game plan focused on exploiting LSU’s weaknesses in the paint and using a more up-tempo offense. Texas’s defense tightened significantly, and their ability to slow down LSU’s fast breaks proved crucial. They forced LSU into more difficult shots, and as the game went on, the Tigers became more hesitant on offense.
The Longhorns’ success in the second half can largely be attributed to their execution of a solid transition offense. Despite LSU’s defensive prowess, Texas found ways to exploit the open floor. Rori Harmon, who had struggled in the first half, came alive in the second. Harmon, a player known for her ability to dictate tempo and create scoring opportunities for others, hit two crucial jumpers late in the game, helping Texas stay within striking distance and ultimately overtake LSU.
One of the most defining aspects of Texas’s performance was their ability to capitalize on their free-throw opportunities. Throughout the game, Texas was able to maintain a high level of efficiency at the charity stripe, converting all 21 of their free-throws. This flawless shooting was pivotal, especially in the final stretch when every possession counted. Their remarkable performance from the free-throw line essentially negated any of LSU’s previous advantages in terms of field goals made and rebounding.
The Role of Taylor Jones and the Frontcourt Battle
One of the standout performers for Texas in this game was Taylor Jones. Despite a tough first half, Jones found her rhythm in the second, contributing 12 points and 8 rebounds. Her size and skill in the paint were crucial in battling with LSU’s formidable frontcourt. LSU’s power forward, Aneesah Morrow, who had been a dominant force for much of the game, was held in check during the final minutes by Jones and the Texas defense. Jones’s ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket was a key factor in keeping the Texas offense fluid, especially as LSU was forced to adjust their defense.
Jones’s performances in recent games have been crucial to Texas’s success, and this game was no different. As a reliable post player, she allowed Texas to execute both inside-out plays and fast breaks, diversifying their offensive attack. Additionally, Jones’s rebounding skills were essential in limiting LSU’s second-chance opportunities, a major area where the Tigers have thrived this season.
Flau’jae Johnson’s Tenacity for LSU
For LSU, much of their offensive spark came from Flau’jae Johnson. The forward posted 16 points in a game where scoring was harder to come by, and she continued to show why she is one of the top players in the nation. Johnson’s versatility as a scorer, especially in transition, was a key part of LSU’s first-half lead. However, in the second half, Johnson, like many of her teammates, struggled with the increased defensive pressure applied by Texas.
Johnson’s ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates is what sets her apart as a game-changer, and even in the face of adversity, she continued to give her team opportunities to cut into the lead. However, as the game neared its conclusion, LSU’s offensive rhythm faltered, and they struggled to find a consistent scoring outlet. This lack of fluid offense, combined with Texas’s well-executed defense, contributed to LSU’s ultimate downfall.
Postgame Reactions: Moving Forward
Following the game, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey expressed both frustration and optimism. She acknowledged the loss but emphasized that her team would learn from the experience. Mulkey stressed that LSU’s defense, which had been their hallmark all season, would need to tighten up, especially against high-pressure teams like Texas. She also spoke highly of the individual performances from players like Williams and Johnson, noting that while the loss was disappointing, it was part of the natural growth process.
Texas’s head coach, Vic Schaefer, on the other hand, was thrilled with his team’s resilience, particularly in the second half. Schaefer highlighted the free-throw shooting and the defensive adjustments that helped turn the game around. He also lauded his players for maintaining their composure in a high-stakes environment. Schaefer’s message to his team post-game was clear: this win was just another step toward their ultimate goal of securing a top seed in the NCAA tournament.
What’s Next for LSU and Texas
For LSU, this loss raises some important questions moving forward. Despite the defeat, the Tigers remain one of the top teams in the country and will look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming games. LSU’s focus will be on refining their offensive sets, making adjustments in the post, and tightening their defense against teams that can stretch the floor like Texas.
For Texas, this victory solidified their standing as one of the elite programs in women’s college basketball. With key players like Rori Harmon and Taylor Jones stepping up in crunch-time moments, the Longhorns now look poised for a deep postseason run. If Texas can continue to play with this level of intensity and efficiency, they may very well position themselves as one of the favorites to win the NCAA tournament.
