No. 3 Texas gets comeback win over No. 5 LSU, marking third top-10 win this week
In a highly anticipated college basketball showdown on February 16, 2025, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns overcame a significant halftime deficit to defeat the No. 5 LSU Tigers 65-58. This thrilling victory marked the third top-10 win for Texas in a span of just a few days, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion against the nation’s elite teams. The win not only solidified their status as a national powerhouse but also demonstrated their resilience and depth as they continue to position themselves as one of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament.
A Game of Two Halves
From the opening tip, the contest was expected to be a clash of titans. Both Texas and LSU had proven themselves as two of the most formidable teams in women’s college basketball. Texas came into the game with an impressive record, their play marked by a combination of high-intensity defense and balanced scoring. On the other hand, LSU entered the game with a strong lineup led by standout players who had made waves on both sides of the ball throughout the season.
The Dominant First Half by LSU
The first half of the game was largely controlled by LSU, who came out of the gate with tremendous energy and intensity. LSU’s defense was suffocating from the start, as they managed to limit Texas to just 19 points in the first 20 minutes of play. LSU’s defensive strategies were effective in neutralizing Texas’s offensive threats, keeping them off balance with a combination of zone defense and pressure man-to-man coverage.
LSU’s star players, including forward Aneesah Morrow, played key roles in both the defensive and offensive efforts. Morrow’s presence on the boards was crucial, as she was relentless in her pursuit of rebounds, securing a number of key possessions for the Tigers. LSU’s offense also clicked during the first half, with guard Alexis Morris contributing 9 points, leading the way for LSU as they built a commanding 28-19 lead by halftime.
Texas, meanwhile, struggled offensively. Their shooting was inefficient, with the team hitting only a dismal 17.6% of their shots in the second quarter. The Longhorns found it difficult to break through LSU’s defense, and their offense seemed out of rhythm. Despite strong performances from their key players like Taylor Jones and Rori Harmon, Texas was unable to capitalize on opportunities, leaving them trailing by 9 at halftime.
The Resilient Comeback
While LSU looked poised to take control of the game in the second half, Texas had other plans. After a halftime adjustment and some motivational words from head coach Vic Schaefer, the Longhorns came out firing in the third quarter. They opened the second half with a 6-0 run, quickly cutting LSU’s lead down to just three points. The momentum shift was palpable, and the crowd at Moody Center roared with excitement as the Longhorns began to impose their will on the game.
Texas’s defense, which had been underwhelming in the first half, began to show its true potential. They tightened up, forcing LSU into difficult shots and limiting their scoring opportunities. The pressure on LSU’s offense grew, and the Tigers began to struggle with maintaining the pace they had set in the first half. Texas capitalized on this, with Rori Harmon’s defense and leadership sparking a run that put the Longhorns back into the game.
Midway through the third quarter, Texas found their offensive rhythm. Taylor Jones hit a big three-pointer, and Harmon followed up with a floater in the lane, cutting LSU’s lead to just one point. The Longhorns had come all the way back, and the game was now tied at 44-44 at the end of the third quarter.
The Final Quarter: Texas’s Defense Shines
The fourth quarter was a testament to the Longhorns’ tenacity and defensive prowess. Texas came out with a renewed sense of urgency, and it showed as they held LSU scoreless for the first five minutes of the quarter. This defensive surge allowed Texas to take a four-point lead, and LSU, despite some strong individual efforts from Morrow and Morris, was unable to regain the lead.
As LSU struggled to find the basket, Texas capitalized on their defensive stops by pushing the ball in transition and getting easy points off turnovers. With about three minutes left in the game, Texas extended their lead to five points, and LSU could not close the gap. Texas’s free-throw shooting down the stretch was flawless, with the Longhorns hitting all 21 of their free throws in the game—a remarkable stat that helped seal the victory.
The final moments of the game were a culmination of Texas’s defensive and offensive adjustments. As the buzzer sounded, the Longhorns had completed the comeback, winning 65-58 in a game that was as much about mental toughness as it was about skill.
Key Performances
Despite the loss, LSU’s players put up impressive individual performances. Aneesah Morrow was a standout for LSU, finishing the game with a double-double, securing a total of 14 points and 16 rebounds. Her relentless effort on the boards was a major factor in keeping LSU in the game, especially in the first half when the Tigers were in control. Morris, too, contributed offensively, scoring 14 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Longhorns’ second-half surge.
For Texas, Rori Harmon was a key player in the comeback. She scored 15 points and was instrumental in creating opportunities for her teammates. Harmon’s defensive presence in the second half, particularly when she forced LSU into several tough shots, was crucial to the Longhorns’ ability to claw back into the game. Taylor Jones was another major contributor, finishing with 16 points, including critical baskets in the second half that helped Texas get back into the game. The team’s collective effort on both sides of the ball was evident, and it showed in the way they turned the game around.
The Significance of Texas’s Victory
This win was not just significant for Texas’s standing in the rankings, but it also demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition. With this win over No. 5 LSU, Texas secured their third top-10 win in just a few days, an accomplishment that speaks to the team’s resilience and determination. The Longhorns had already defeated No. 1 South Carolina earlier in the week and followed that up with a victory over another top-10 opponent in LSU. This three-game stretch will certainly be remembered as one of the defining moments of Texas’s season.
With their third top-10 win in hand, Texas is now firmly in the conversation for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns’ ability to beat elite teams, particularly in such a short span, has solidified their place as one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Their defense, which has been a hallmark of their game all season, showed its value again as they made key stops in the second half and executed down the stretch.
For LSU, this loss serves as a reminder that no team can afford to let up, especially against a team as skilled and determined as Texas. While the Tigers have had a fantastic season, this defeat highlighted areas where they need to improve. Maintaining leads, particularly against high-quality opponents, will be a focal point for LSU as they move forward in their quest for a national title.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Texas, the momentum from this victory should carry them through the rest of the season as they prepare for their upcoming games and the NCAA Tournament. Their confidence is sky-high after taking down three top-10 teams in quick succession. Head coach Vic Schaefer will look to continue harnessing the defensive intensity and offensive balance that have made Texas one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
For LSU, the team will look to regroup and focus on improving in key areas. Despite the loss, the Tigers have shown throughout the season that they are a formidable team, and this defeat is unlikely to diminish their chances in the postseason. Head coach Kim Mulkey will focus on tightening the defense and ensuring that the team stays mentally strong, especially in close games.
