Texas Defeats UConn for the First Time

The No. 10/11 University of Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team soundly defeated the No. 11/12 University of Connecticut Huskies, 80-68, in front of a capacity crowd of over 10,763 fans.  Texas took an early 15-to-3 lead and never trailed.  The win was Texas’ first over UConn in program. 

Rori Harmon led all players 27 points and tied her career-high with 13 assists. Harmon also pulled down five rebounds.  The double-double was the 10th of Harmon’s career. Only two of Harmon’s other double-double performances came against a ranked opponent.

“I think she’s (Harmon) the best player we’ve played against so far this year, by far,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma. “Defensively, I thought she was really instrumental in keeping Paige (Bueckers) from getting in any kind of rhythm.  Offensively, I think she just takes the ball and goes to her spot.  I was really impressed with the control that she has of herself and the game. There was very rarely a time when she’s trying to make a play that isn’t the right play at that time.  And she takes shots that she knows she can make.  I was really, really impressed.  I thought she’s the best player we’ve played against. They’re a team that has very, very few if any weaknesses that I can see.” 

Freshman Madison Booker notched a season-high 20 points and added four assists, three rebounds and two steals in 40 minutes on the floor.  The game was Booker’s introduction to a national audience, and she played with the poise and fearlessness of a savvy veteran,

“I knew what I was getting with her. She was somebody that I had to have,” said Texas head coach Vic Schaefer. “I’ve said this before, but I think it needs to be said again, Book gets Rori’s looks. Rori’s our point guard, and Rori obviously sets the table for a lot, but because Booker’s on the floor, Rori’s going to get an additional opportunity during the course of the game.  She’s going to get multiple looks because she’s on the floor.”

Amina Muhammad tallied 15 points and eight rebounds, including six offensive rebounds.  She shot 75% from the floor.

Texas forced 21 turnovers and only committed nine themselves, giving Texas a 36-to-8 advantage in points off turnovers. 

The Longhorns dominated the offensive boards, leading UConn 16-5 in offensive rebounds and earning a 15-to-2 advantage second-chance battle points.