No. 5 LSU Falls in Defensive Battle with No. 3 Texas, 65-58
In a thrilling showdown between two of the nation’s top women’s basketball programs, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns emerged victorious over the No. 5 LSU Tigers in a gritty, defensive battle that ended with a 65-58 scoreline in favor of the home team. This victory marked Texas’s tenth consecutive win and solidified their position as one of the most formidable teams in women’s college basketball heading into the postseason.
The game, which took place on February 16, 2025, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, featured a clash of titans. Texas entered the contest on a hot streak, having already toppled several top-ranked teams, while LSU, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, was looking to rebound after a tough stretch. Both teams are ranked among the elite in the country, making this matchup one of the most highly anticipated of the season. Despite early struggles on offense, the Longhorns found their rhythm in the second half, relying on a stifling defense and clutch performances from their star players to secure the win.
A Tale of Two Halves
From the opening tip-off, both teams made it clear that they weren’t going to give an inch. The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both sides struggling to find their offensive flow. Texas, known for its high-powered offense, was uncharacteristically cold to start, shooting just 18.9% from the field in the first two quarters. The Longhorns’ star guard, Madison Booker, who had been averaging nearly 21 points per game over the past nine contests, failed to make a single field goal in the first half, missing all 11 of her attempts.
Despite the shooting woes, Texas’s defense kept the game close. The Longhorns managed to limit LSU to just 33 points in the first half, thanks in large part to their aggressive perimeter defense and rebounding efforts. LSU’s offense, led by the dynamic Aneesah Morrow, was similarly stymied, with the Tigers struggling to establish a rhythm against Texas’s intense defensive schemes.
At halftime, Texas trailed by just five points, 33-28. While their shooting struggles were apparent, the team remained confident, knowing that they could turn things around if they could just find a way to capitalize on their defensive stops.
The second half was a completely different story. Texas came out of the locker room with renewed energy, showing why they have been one of the top teams in the country. A key turning point came midway through the third quarter when Bryanna Preston, the Longhorns’ versatile forward, scored a pivotal basket that gave Texas its first lead of the game, 50-49. That basket sparked a surge from the Longhorns, as they continued to build momentum throughout the third and fourth quarters.
Madison Booker, who had struggled mightily in the first half, began to find her rhythm. Her confidence grew as the game wore on, and she was able to knock down several key shots in the second half, finishing the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds—her sixth double-double of the season. Booker’s performance in the second half was crucial for Texas, as her scoring helped to ease the burden on the team’s offense and give the Longhorns a much-needed offensive spark.
The fourth quarter was a battle of wills. LSU, behind the stellar efforts of Morrow, tried to mount a comeback. Morrow, who finished the game with 15 points and 20 rebounds, did everything she could to keep her team in the contest. However, Texas’s defense was too much to overcome. The Longhorns’ ability to limit LSU’s second-chance opportunities and force turnovers proved to be the difference in the final stretch of the game.
Texas held LSU to just 9 points in the fourth quarter, including a scoreless stretch of over four minutes. The Longhorns’ defensive intensity, combined with timely scoring from Booker and her teammates, was enough to seal the victory. In the end, Texas won by a final score of 65-58, earning a well-deserved win in front of their home crowd.
Key Performances
Madison Booker (Texas)
After a slow start, Booker was the driving force behind Texas’s offensive resurgence in the second half. The senior guard finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her all-around game and her ability to step up in clutch moments. Despite the struggles in the first half, Booker’s performance in the second half showed why she is one of the best players in women’s college basketball.
Aneesah Morrow (LSU)
Morrow was the lone bright spot for LSU on offense, as she finished the game with 15 points and a remarkable 20 rebounds. The junior forward was a dominant presence in the paint, giving the Longhorns trouble throughout the game. However, despite Morrow’s efforts, LSU was unable to generate enough offense to keep pace with Texas, especially in the final quarter when the Tigers were held to just 9 points.
Texas Defense
While individual performances from players like Booker and Preston were key to the victory, it was Texas’s defense that truly won the game. The Longhorns limited LSU to just 58 points, a significant drop-off from the Tigers’ season average. Texas’s ability to lock down defensively in critical moments, especially in the second half, allowed them to weather their offensive struggles and ultimately come out on top.
Defensive Mastery
One of the most striking aspects of Texas’s win was their ability to dominate on defense. LSU is one of the most potent offensive teams in the country, with a wealth of talent that can score in a variety of ways. However, Texas’s defense was up to the task, limiting the Tigers to 21 points below their season scoring average.
The Longhorns used a combination of man-to-man and zone defenses to stifle LSU’s offensive flow. Texas also did an excellent job of boxing out on the boards, limiting LSU to just one offensive rebound in the second half. The Longhorns’ defense was especially impressive in the fourth quarter when they held LSU to just 9 points, effectively shutting down any chance of a late-game comeback.
Implications for NCAA Tournament
With the victory, Texas further solidified its case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The win over a top-5 opponent like LSU only strengthens their resume as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball. Texas now sits at 26-2 on the season, with an impressive 10-game winning streak and several notable wins over top-ranked teams.
As the regular season winds down and the NCAA Tournament approaches, Texas will look to maintain its momentum and continue its strong play. The Longhorns have already established themselves as one of the best teams in the country, and their defense will likely be a key factor in their quest for a national championship. If Texas can continue to play at this level, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
For LSU, the loss serves as a reminder that the margin for error in the competitive Southeastern Conference is razor-thin. The Tigers will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming games if they hope to maintain a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the loss, LSU remains one of the top teams in the country and will likely be a tough opponent for any team they face in the postseason.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Texas heads into the final stretch of the regular season with a significant boost to their confidence. Coach Vic Schaefer praised his team’s resilience and defensive effort, which he believed were the keys to their victory. Moving forward, Texas will need to continue playing at a high level, especially on defense, if they want to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
For LSU, the team’s focus will likely shift toward getting back on track and ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges ahead. Despite the loss, LSU remains a dangerous team with plenty of talent, and they will be a major factor in the postseason picture.
In the world of women’s college basketball, every game is a battle, and this defensive showdown between Texas and LSU was a perfect example of how the best teams rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. For Texas, this win was another statement in their quest for a national title, and for LSU, it