In a thrilling women’s college basketball matchup on February 16, 2025, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat the No. 5 LSU Tigers 65-58 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This victory marked Texas’s third win over a top-10 opponent in a single week, underscoring their dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and bolstering their case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
First Half: LSU’s Early Dominance
The game commenced with LSU asserting control, leveraging their aggressive defense and efficient offense. The Tigers’ star forward, Aneesah Morrow, was instrumental in the opening quarter, contributing 8 points and 5 rebounds. LSU’s defensive schemes effectively disrupted Texas’s offensive flow, leading to a 25-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Texas attempted to mount a comeback. Guard Rori Harmon showcased her defensive prowess, recording 3 steals and facilitating fast-break opportunities. However, LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and Flau’Jae Johnson maintained the Tigers’ lead with consistent scoring, and Texas entered halftime trailing 40-30.
Second Half: Texas’s Resilience and Comeback
The Longhorns emerged from halftime with renewed energy and determination. Freshman forward Justice Carlton provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 6 points and 4 rebounds in the third quarter. Her performance, along with precise free-throw shooting—Texas converted all 21 of their free-throw attempts—helped the Longhorns chip away at LSU’s lead.
As the game progressed, Texas’s defense intensified, limiting LSU to just 18 points in the second half. The Longhorns’ ability to execute in critical moments, combined with LSU’s fatigue, allowed Texas to close the gap. With under a minute remaining, Texas secured a 65-58 victory, completing a remarkable comeback.
Key Performances
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Madison Booker (Texas): Despite facing a challenging shooting night, Booker demonstrated leadership and resilience, contributing 12 points and 7 assists.
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Aneesah Morrow (LSU): Morrow led all scorers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and skill.
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Rori Harmon (Texas): Harmon’s defensive efforts were crucial, recording 4 steals and 5 assists, and providing stability in the backcourt.
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Flau’Jae Johnson (LSU): Johnson added 14 points and 6 rebounds, contributing significantly to LSU’s early lead.
Implications for the NCAA Tournament
This victory enhances Texas’s resume, highlighting their ability to compete and prevail against top-tier opponents. With a current record of 26-2, the Longhorns are well-positioned for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their recent wins over No. 2 South Carolina and No. 8 Kentucky further solidify their status as a formidable contender.
Coach Vic Schaefer emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “Our players trust each other and have the confidence to execute under pressure. This win is a testament to their hard work and determination.”
Looking Ahead
As the regular season nears its conclusion, Texas will focus on maintaining their momentum and preparing for the SEC Tournament. The team’s depth, defensive capabilities, and clutch performances position them as strong contenders for both the conference title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
For LSU, the loss serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the SEC and the importance of consistency throughout the season. Despite the setback, the Tigers remain a formidable team with the potential to make a significant impact in the postseason.
The Heart of Texas: Coaching and Leadership
One of the defining elements of Texas’s success this season has been the leadership provided by head coach Vic Schaefer. Known for his defensive-minded approach and ability to get the best out of his players, Schaefer has built a program that competes at the highest levels in the NCAA. This victory against LSU further highlights his coaching prowess.
Schaefer’s focus on mental toughness has been evident throughout the year. His emphasis on defense, discipline, and shared responsibility on offense has led Texas to its current position as one of the most complete teams in the country. In particular, Schaefer has managed to get his players to perform under intense pressure. This is especially critical in games like the one against LSU, where Texas needed to come from behind to secure the win.
When reflecting on the game, Schaefer pointed to the resilience of his team, saying, “This was a total team effort. We had to stay calm, execute under pressure, and play our style of basketball, and that’s exactly what we did.” It is this kind of mindset that has made Texas so dangerous. Despite having players like Rori Harmon and Madison Booker leading the way, Schaefer’s philosophy is that every player on the roster has a role to play, no matter how big or small.
Texas’s Star Players: Harmon and Booker Lead the Way
Rori Harmon and Madison Booker are two players who have been vital to Texas’s success, and they both had standout performances in the win over LSU.
Harmon, a standout guard, was relentless on both ends of the floor. While she struggled to score at times, her defensive tenacity was unmatched. Harmon’s four steals were crucial in disrupting LSU’s offensive rhythm. Beyond her defense, Harmon also displayed her court vision with five assists, ensuring that her teammates were involved in key plays. Her leadership on the floor as a floor general kept the Longhorns focused, and she was instrumental in orchestrating Texas’s comeback during the second half.
Madison Booker also had an important role in the victory. Although she did not have the highest point total, she contributed 12 points and 7 assists. Booker’s ability to distribute the ball and make the right decisions in high-pressure moments showed her maturity as a player. As a junior, Booker has matured into a reliable scorer and facilitator for Texas. Her performances this week have solidified her status as one of the most versatile players in women’s college basketball.
LSU’s Early Success and Late Struggles
LSU’s early dominance was a result of their high-powered offense, led by Aneesah Morrow and Flau’Jae Johnson. Morrow, a player who has been one of the best in the nation this season, was once again spectacular, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Her ability to create scoring opportunities both inside and outside of the paint gave Texas fits in the first half. LSU’s offensive system, with Morrow as the focal point, looked nearly unstoppable in the opening stages of the game.
Flau’Jae Johnson was another player who kept LSU’s offense flowing. With her combination of size and athleticism, she was able to stretch the defense and knock down critical shots. Johnson added 14 points and 6 rebounds, continuing her role as one of LSU’s most consistent contributors. Together, Morrow and Johnson helped LSU build a comfortable lead going into halftime.
However, as the second half progressed, LSU’s offensive efficiency dropped. Credit must go to Texas’s defense, which forced the Tigers into tough shots and limited their second-chance opportunities. LSU’s struggles in the second half were exacerbated by Texas’s relentless effort to regain control of the game. LSU managed to score only 18 points in the final two quarters, which was a clear sign of their inability to maintain their early form. The Tigers’ inability to respond to Texas’s defensive pressure ultimately cost them the game.
The Road to the NCAA Tournament: A Tight Race at the Top
As the regular season winds down, the race for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament becomes even more competitive. Texas’s victory over LSU, combined with their earlier wins over South Carolina and Kentucky, has put them in an excellent position to secure a top seed. Their 26-2 record and recent form suggest that they are primed for a deep tournament run. With star players like Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, along with a strong supporting cast, Texas is a team that no one will want to face come tournament time.
For LSU, the loss does not diminish their status as one of the top teams in the country, but it does serve as a reminder that no game is guaranteed. The Tigers will need to regroup and learn from this defeat, especially as they prepare for the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. LSU has all the tools to be a championship contender, but they must find a way to maintain their offensive firepower while also improving on defense.
Both Texas and LSU will be closely watched in the coming weeks as the NCAA Tournament approaches. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the battle for positioning in the tournament bracket will be fierce. Texas’s rise to the top of the college basketball world has been impressive, but they will face stiff competition from teams like LSU, South Carolina, and UConn, among others.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Championship Showdown?
As the season heads into its final stretch, the possibility of a Texas-LSU rematch in the NCAA Tournament is an enticing prospect. Should both teams maintain their form and advance deep into the tournament, they could meet once again in what would surely be another thrilling encounter. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about a potential championship showdown between two of the most talented teams in the nation.
Beyond the possibility of a rematch, there are plenty of other storylines to follow. Texas’s journey through the SEC Tournament will be closely watched, as their momentum will be critical in preparing them for the challenges ahead. LSU, while disappointed by the loss to Texas, will be eager to prove that they are still a championship-caliber team. Both teams have the necessary talent, coaching, and leadership to make a run at the title.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with teams like Texas, LSU, South Carolina, and UConn all in the mix for the national championship. The intense competition at the top, along with the individual storylines and remarkable talent on display, will make for a thrilling conclusion to the college basketball season.
In the meantime, Texas fans can celebrate another remarkable victory, while LSU will surely bounce back, ready for the next challenge. As the race for the NCAA Tournament heats up, it’s clear that both of these teams will be major players in the battle for a national title.