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On Sunday afternoon, No. 12 LSU ejected No. 2 Texas from the ranks of the undefeated, sending the Longhorns to a 70-65 loss. The defeat leaves No. 1 UConn, No. 7 Vanderbilt and No. 17 Texas Tech as the nation’s final three undefeated teams.
For LSU, the victory over the nation’s No. 2-ranked team—the program’s first top-two win since 2008—serves as a measure of redemption. Much-scrutinized after following up a favorable non-conference schedule characterized by uncompetitive blowouts with two losses to open conference play, the Tigers reminded why they were, and are, worthy of high expectations.
LSU won the rebounding and turnover battles, outworking Texas for 44 rebounds to the Longhorns’ 35. Nineteen of those boards were offensive, which, combined with causing Texas to commit a season-high 17 turnovers, allowed LSU to take 10 more shots.
Those marginal advantages, often a product of extra hustle, were missing in the Tigers’ SEC losses.
LSU also benefitted from a banner day from Mikaylah Williams, who not only led the Tigers with 20 points but also contributed seven rebounds, five steals and four assists. Williams, arguably, delivered the dagger, draining a shot clock-beating 3-pointer as the game clock ticked under 90 seconds.
LSU also received a quartet of 10-point performances from Flau’Jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Jada Richard and Zakiyah Johnson. The freshman Richard impressed by playing with particular composure down the stretch, making all six of her fourth-quarter free throws. Grace Knox and Amiya Joyner were valuable on the glass for the Tigers, with Knox corralling seven boards and Joyner grabbing nine.
Texas will be second guessing some key decisions
While LSU largely avoided the self-inflicted issues that had plagued their losses, Texas, atypically, succumbed to controllable errors. Some questionable decisions by head coach Vic Schaefer also disadvantaged the Longhorns.
When Madison Booker picked up her second foul early in the second quarter, Schaefer chose to sit her for the rest of the half. As Texas’ offense staggered without Booker, LSU was able to establish a slight edge at the break, 30-25. The Tigers then carried that momentum into the start of the second half.
In the third quarter, Booker committed two more fouls, including an ill-advised fourth violation late in the period. Schaefer, however, trusted his star, as she would play the entire second half and finish with no additional fouls. Possibly, Schaefer should have extended her that same trust in the second quarter, which not only might have prevented LSU from taking the lead, but also could have resulted in Texas instead grabbing control of the game.
Because Booker was excellent. After scoring just four points in the first half due to her limited minutes, she poured in 20 points after halftime, keeping the Longhorns in striking distance of the Tigers by splashing in array of tough jumpers. She ended the afternoon with 24 points and seven rebounds.
Down the stretch, it was mostly the Booker show for Texas because Schaefer chose not to go with Rori Harmon, his trusted super senior point guard who often is described as an extension of her head coach.
Late in the third quarter, Schaefer subbed in Bryanna Preston for Harmon, and Harmon never returned to the game. Harmon, admittedly, was not having a strong game. She shot 1-for-7 from the field, scored two points, dished just three assists and coughed up two turnovers. Her defense also was not up to her usual standard.
However, as she proved by sinking the game-winner that gave Texas the win over South Carolina at the Players Era Championship, Harmon knows how to rise to the occasion. In that game, Harmon had scored just four points before her game-winning basket.
Speaking of South Carolina, a visit to Columbia and conference game against the Gamecocks is next on the Longhorns’ schedule. Texas, like LSU, will have a quick, albeit difficult opportunity for redemption.
For the Tigers, there’s no time bask in the upset, as their incredibly challenge conference schedule continues with a trip to Oklahoma. The Sooners, after rising to No. 5 in the AP poll, have dropped two-straight games, losing to Ole Miss and Kentucky.
