#4 Longhorns Send UT-Tyler Packing

Texas’ exhibition game against its sister university from Tyler met expectations: It was a blowout.  The University of Texas Longhorns defeated the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots, 98-25, in women’s basketball. 

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer called out the Patriots for their spirited play, never giving up despite the inevitable one-side loss. 

All eyes were on Rori Harmon as she stepped on the court for her first competitive game since her knee injury on December 27, 2023. 

“Really good to have Rori back,” said Schaefer.  “For her and I, we can get caught up in the moment because it’s been hard on her, it’s been hard on me to have her sitting over there at practice”

Harmon played 15 minutes, contributing 11 points with four assists and two rebounds.   

Reflecting on the moment, Harmon said, “I just have another level of gratefulness to be able to play again, to be just running baselines again, whatever it is, just for Coach Schaefer to yell at me again, I’m just glad I’m back in that position.” 

Schaefer approached the exhibition using a mix of veteran and new players. 

Senior Taylor Jones led all players with 14 points and nine rebounds in 17 minutes of play.  Sophomore Madison Booker followed with 12 points in 19 minutes on the court. 

“We got to play some depth.  I think everyone sees what depth we have.  We were able to play that depth tonight.  Our young kids got to play a lot.” 

Freshman guard Bryanna Preston played impressively, netting 13 points while drawing nine fouls, without committing an infraction.  Kyla Oldacre, a junior center transfer, put-up 11 points in 17 minutes. Freshman guard justice Carlton accounted for nine points and six rebounds. And Laila Phelia, a senior guard transfer, added six points. 

Schaefer’s mantra has always been: “Uou win with guard play.”  He should be very pleased having five guards he can easily rotate on to the court. 

Schaefer has also said: “You win championships with “bigs” (centers and power forwards).”  In that regard, Schaefer should also be very pleased.  Centers Jones and Oldacre look to be difference makers, and they aren’t 100%.