AUSTIN, Texas – No. 4 Texas extended its remarkable home winning streak to 42 games Thursday night, defeating No. 23 Georgia 79-50 in a dominant performance at the Moody Center. The victory solidifies Texas’s position in the Southeastern Conference and marks their fourth consecutive win, with the last three coming by significant margins. The Longhorns’ success hinges on a balanced attack and stifling defense, a formula that proved too much for the Lady Bulldogs.
Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 18 points, showcasing her versatility with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Justice Carlton and Kyla Oldacre each contributed 14 points, providing crucial support in the scoring column. The team’s defensive intensity was particularly evident in limiting Georgia’s Dani Carnegie, the team’s leading scorer, to just three points – a full 15 points below her average. The Associated Press reported that Rori Harmon was instrumental in containing Carnegie, disrupting her rhythm and forcing demanding shots.
Longhorns Dominate from the Tip-Off
Texas (27-3, 12-3 Southeastern Conference) established control early, scoring the first 11 points of the game and building a commanding 28-11 lead after the first quarter. The Longhorns’ efficient shooting and aggressive defense set the tone for the remainder of the contest. They shot 71.4% in the first half, while holding Georgia to just 27.3%. Carlton’s strong interior presence contributed 18 points in the paint during the first quarter alone. WRAL.com reported that Texas’s early surge was fueled by six steals in the opening period.
Georgia Struggles with Turnovers and Shooting
Georgia (21-8, 7-8) struggled to find its offensive rhythm, hampered by a season-high 24 turnovers and 38% shooting from the field. Rylie Theuerkauf led the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points, while Mia Woolfolk added 12, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Texas’s relentless pressure. Carnegie’s struggles were particularly impactful, as her inability to score disrupted Georgia’s offensive flow. The Lady Bulldogs’ shooting woes were compounded by Harmon’s defensive pressure, which effectively neutralized their star player.
Texas Maintains SEC Standing
With the win, Texas remains tied with Vanderbilt for second place in the Southeastern Conference, trailing only South Carolina (14-1), which has already clinched the regular-season championship. The Longhorns have one regular-season game remaining before the SEC Tournament. Their recent string of dominant performances – winning their last three games by an average of 36.6 points – demonstrates their championship potential. The team’s ability to consistently execute on both ends of the court makes them a formidable opponent in the conference, and nationally.
Key Stats
- Madison Booker (Texas): 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Justice Carlton (Texas): 14 points
- Kyla Oldacre (Texas): 14 points
- Rylie Theuerkauf (Georgia): 16 points
- Mia Woolfolk (Georgia): 12 points
The Longhorns’ victory wasn’t just about scoring; it was a testament to their all-around team play. Harmon’s seven assists and four steals, combined with the scoring contributions of Booker, Carlton, and Oldacre, showcased the depth and versatility of the Texas roster. The team’s ability to force turnovers and convert them into swift-break points was a key factor in their decisive win. This game recap highlights the Longhorns’ continued dominance at home.
Texas will look to carry this momentum into their final regular-season game. The team’s next challenge will be a crucial test as they prepare for the SEC Tournament and a potential deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can find updated schedules and information on the official Texas Athletics website.
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