No. 1/1 Women’s Basketball earns SEC regular season championship – University of Texas Athletics

The University of Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team has long been known as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, and the 2024-2025 season has proven no different. With an extraordinary combination of skill, talent, and determination, the Longhorns not only dominated the Southeastern Conference (SEC) throughout the regular season, but they also clinched the coveted SEC regular season championship, solidifying their place at the top of women’s college basketball. With a No. 1 ranking in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls, the Longhorns have become a force to be reckoned with as they prepare for the postseason, but this championship represents more than just a title—it represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

A Historic Season

As the 2024-2025 women’s basketball season unfolded, the Texas Longhorns came into the campaign with high expectations. With an experienced roster, a Hall of Fame-caliber head coach in Vic Schaefer, and an incredible group of players, including some of the nation’s top recruits, the Longhorns were poised to challenge for supremacy in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Texas had been consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation for several years, but there was always one lingering goal left unfulfilled: winning the SEC regular season championship. After joining the SEC in 2024, the Longhorns were determined to show the league that they were ready to compete at the highest level. The 2024-2025 season was their opportunity to make that statement, and they did so in resounding fashion.

Their journey to the SEC regular season title was not without obstacles. They faced fierce competition from programs like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee, all of which boasted formidable teams that posed significant challenges. However, the Longhorns, led by their star-studded roster, proved to be the class of the SEC, finishing the regular season with a remarkable 16-2 conference record.

The Key to Texas’ Success

At the heart of the Longhorns’ success this season was their unmatched depth and balance. From their stellar defense to their potent offense, Texas excelled in virtually every aspect of the game. Head coach Vic Schaefer’s philosophy of hard-nosed defense and unselfish ball movement was evident from the first tip-off of the season, and it remained a hallmark of their play throughout the campaign.

Defensive Dominance

One of the most impressive aspects of Texas’ championship season was their suffocating defense. Schaefer, known for his defensive expertise, instilled a mentality in his players that defense wins championships, and this philosophy paid dividends throughout the regular season. The Longhorns allowed an average of just 56 points per game, ranking among the best in the nation in terms of defensive efficiency. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses, force turnovers, and limit second-chance opportunities made them a nightmare for opponents.

Senior guard and team captain, Rori Harmon, emerged as the defensive leader on the floor. Harmon’s tenacious on-ball defense, quick hands, and ability to read passing lanes made her one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. Throughout the season, she had multiple standout defensive performances, often locking down the opposing team’s best player. Harmon’s leadership on defense was infectious, and it set the tone for the entire team.

Alongside Harmon, the Longhorns boasted several other standout defenders, including junior forward Aaliyah Moore and sophomore center DeYona Gaston, both of whom anchored the paint and made it nearly impossible for opposing teams to score easily in the post. Gaston’s rim protection was key to Texas’ defensive success, as she averaged over two blocks per game, while Moore’s ability to switch and guard multiple positions made her a versatile defensive weapon.

Offensive Firepower

While Texas was undoubtedly known for its defense, the team also displayed incredible offensive efficiency throughout the season. With an arsenal of talented players who could score from anywhere on the court, the Longhorns’ offense was both dynamic and efficient.

The team’s success on the offensive end was driven by the playmaking abilities of senior guard Rori Harmon. Harmon’s ability to create scoring opportunities for both herself and her teammates was central to Texas’ offensive attack. Averaging nearly 7 assists per game, Harmon facilitated the offense and set up open shots for her teammates. Her court vision and decision-making were second to none, and her leadership on the floor was invaluable.

Harmon’s scoring ability also played a crucial role in Texas’ success. Whether attacking the basket with relentless aggression or knocking down key perimeter shots, Harmon’s ability to score in a variety of ways made her an offensive threat every time she touched the ball. Her clutch shooting in critical moments was often the difference between a win and a loss for the Longhorns.

In addition to Harmon, the Longhorns received significant contributions from other key players. Junior guard Taylor Jones became one of the team’s primary scoring threats, consistently stepping up in big moments. Jones’ ability to shoot from beyond the arc and drive to the basket made her a tough matchup for opposing defenders. She averaged over 14 points per game and shot an impressive 39% from three-point range.

Another player who had a major impact on the offensive end was sophomore guard Ashlyn Watkins, who emerged as a consistent scorer and rebounder. Watkins’ combination of speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ made her a valuable asset to the team, and her ability to score in transition helped Texas push the tempo when needed.

Texas’ offensive success also stemmed from its ability to share the ball and create open looks for teammates. The team’s unselfishness and willingness to pass up good shots for great ones was a key factor in their offensive efficiency. Texas consistently ranked among the top teams in the SEC in assists per game, demonstrating their commitment to playing the right way.

The X-Factor: Aaliyah Moore

Aaliyah Moore’s growth throughout the season was a significant factor in Texas’ championship run. Known for her athleticism and versatility, Moore had shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, but it was in 2024-2025 that she truly emerged as one of the most dominant players in the SEC.

Moore’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was a game-changer for Texas. Offensively, she showcased an expanded skill set, adding a reliable mid-range jumper and the ability to finish around the rim with both hands. She averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, while also contributing defensively as one of the best rebounders in the SEC. Her ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket made her an invaluable weapon for Schaefer.

On the defensive side of the ball, Moore was a standout, regularly guarding the opposing team’s best forward and providing elite rim protection. Her tenacity on defense, combined with her rebounding ability, allowed Texas to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities.

Clutch Victories and Key Moments

Throughout the season, Texas showed resilience and composure in the face of adversity. Several key victories helped cement their place as the best team in the SEC. One of the most memorable moments came when Texas faced off against South Carolina, the defending national champions, in a game that would determine who would control the conference standings. In front of a raucous crowd in Austin, Texas came out with a dominant performance, defeating South Carolina by 10 points in a game that showcased their defensive prowess and offensive firepower.

Another significant victory came against LSU, where the Longhorns pulled off a thrilling last-second win on a clutch shot by Rori Harmon, who sank a three-pointer with just seconds remaining to secure the win. The victory solidified Texas as the top team in the SEC, and the Longhorns would go on to finish the season with a conference-leading 16-2 record.

The SEC Tournament and Beyond

With the SEC regular season championship in hand, the Longhorns now turn their attention to the SEC Tournament and, eventually, the NCAA Tournament. The SEC Tournament will provide an opportunity for Texas to showcase their dominance one more time before the NCAA Tournament field is set. As the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament, the Longhorns are expected to be one of the favorites to win the title, but they know that the road ahead will not be easy. Teams like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee will all be eager to knock off the reigning conference champions.

The Longhorns are poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, with a balanced, talented roster that can compete with any team in the country. They have shown all season long that they are the complete package, and with a strong finish to the SEC Tournament, they could very well secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, A Championship-Caliber Team

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team’s SEC regular season championship marks a historic achievement in the program’s storied history. With a combination of elite defense, unselfish offense, and individual brilliance from players like Rori Harmon, Aaliyah Moore, and Taylor Jones, the Longhorns have proven themselves to be the best team in the SEC. But this title is just the beginning of what could be a legendary postseason run. With the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Longhorns are positioned for greatness, and the championship has only further fueled their desire to achieve even more. The 2024-2025 season will be remembered as a defining moment for Texas women’s basketball, and the Longhorns are ready to continue their championship chase.