The No. 2 Texas women’s basketball team experienced its first loss of the season on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when No. 12 LSU secured a 70-65 victory in Baton Rouge. This marked the end of the Texas women basketball program’s perfect season. Uncharacteristic mistakes plagued the Longhorns throughout the game, hindering both their offense and defense in a significant way.
A Stunning Upset in Baton Rouge: The Texas Women Basketball Game’s Narrative
Texas entered the game with an unblemished 18-0 record, holding the second national ranking. LSU, now 16-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, managed a significant upset. This victory was LSU’s first over a Top 2 ranked team since 2008. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center buzzed with a sold-out crowd and an energetic atmosphere. LSU’s strong defense was a critical factor, forcing 17 turnovers from Texas. Both teams scored below their season averages in a physical, hard-nosed contest. LSU maintained a lead for most of the second half, extending it to as many as 13 points.
Uncharacteristic Errors Undermine Texas Women Basketball’s Effort
Several factors contributed to the Texas women basketball team’s downfall. Turnovers proved to be a major issue, with Texas committing seven in the first quarter alone. These mistakes gifted LSU easy scoring opportunities, an uncharacteristic performance for a team typically known for its ball security. Offensive rebounding also hurt Texas, as LSU secured 19 offensive boards to their 35 total rebounds. The Longhorns missed crucial layups, nine in total, including three late in the game. Furthermore, they converted only 11 of 18 free throws. Coach Vic Schaefer acknowledged it as their worst game, citing a lack of execution that proved costly in such a close matchup.
Foul Trouble and Ineffectiveness Hamper Key Players for Texas Women Basketball
Key players for the Texas women basketball team faced significant challenges. Madison Booker, a junior forward, found herself in foul trouble, sitting out much of the second quarter and picking up her fourth foul early in the fourth quarter, limiting her aggressiveness. Despite this, she still managed 24 points but also committed six turnovers. Kyla Oldacre had a strong performance with 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Jordan Lee contributed 12 points. However, Rori Harmon struggled immensely, scoring only two points on 1-of-7 shooting and was benched by Coach Schaefer in the fourth quarter due to ineffectiveness. Justice Carlton also dealt with foul issues, missing significant time in the second quarter.
LSU’s Defensive Prowess and Clutch Performance Against Texas
LSU’s defense was a pivotal element, applying intense pressure that led to Texas’s numerous turnovers. Mikaylah Williams spearheaded LSU’s offense with 20 points, including a critical three-pointer with 1:20 left that extended LSU’s lead to seven, effectively sealing the victory. Other LSU players contributed significantly, with Flau’jae Johnson, Milaysia Fulwiley, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Jada Richard each scoring 10 points. Grace Knox also provided crucial scoring. LSU’s ability to capitalize on the Texas women basketball team’s mistakes and maintain composure under pressure was evident.
Coach’s Take: Frustration and Reflection on the Texas Women Basketball Loss
Texas head coach Vic Schaefer expressed his disappointment, stating it was “the worst we’ve played all year long.” He took responsibility for not having the team adequately prepared, highlighting the numerous errors, particularly regarding offensive rebounds. He also commented on the challenging SEC scheduling. Kim Mulkey, LSU’s coach, commended her team’s defense and emphasized the importance of ball control, describing the game as “good hard-nosed basketball.”
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for Texas Women Basketball
This loss serves as a stark reality check for the Texas women basketball team, concluding their undefeated season. However, they remain a highly-ranked contender. This Trending News moment provides a valuable learning experience as they face another tough road game against No. 3 South Carolina on Thursday. The team must regroup quickly, addressing their mistakes, improving ball security, and managing foul trouble effectively. The season’s journey continues, and this defeat offers crucial lessons to prepare them for future challenges. The focus now shifts to improvement, making this a critical moment for the team to rebound strongly.
