Texas rallies past LSU in top-five women’s basketball showdown of SEC teams: Highlights

In a high-stakes Top-5 matchup that lived up to every bit of its billing, the Texas Longhorns made a statement by rallying past the LSU Tigers in one of the most thrilling games of the 2025 women’s basketball season. The game, which took place at the Moody Center in Austin, was a clash between two of the nation’s most dominant and successful programs, both of whom have championship aspirations. This showdown not only lived up to the hype but also showcased the resilience and tenacity of the Texas women’s basketball team under the leadership of head coach Vic Schaefer.

The atmosphere was electric from the start, with fans packed into the Moody Center for what was expected to be a tense and competitive affair. On one side, the LSU Tigers, led by reigning national champion coach Kim Mulkey, boasted a roster full of talent, including standout player Angel Reese, who was once again making her case as one of the best players in the country. On the other side, the Texas Longhorns, who have been quietly building a powerhouse under Schaefer, came in with a chip on their shoulder and a determination to prove they were more than just another contender—they were a team capable of taking down anyone, including LSU.

What unfolded was a game that had all the elements of a classic college basketball showdown: high-level skill, intense competition, momentum swings, and a gut-wrenching, dramatic finish. The game ultimately saw Texas battle through adversity, rallying from a double-digit deficit in the second half to take down LSU 78-74 in a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

First Half: LSU Sets the Pace Early

The game got off to a fast-paced start, with both teams clearly energized by the magnitude of the matchup. LSU, which came into the game ranked No. 3 in the country, quickly showed why they were one of the favorites for the national title. Angel Reese, as expected, was dominant in the early going, using her size and athleticism to muscle her way into the paint for easy buckets. Her ability to finish in traffic and grab offensive rebounds gave LSU an early lead, and the Longhorns struggled to contain her.

LSU’s defense, led by Reese and fellow standout Flau’jae Johnson, was equally impressive, forcing Texas into difficult shots and disrupting the flow of their offense. Texas’ Rori Harmon, who has emerged as one of the best point guards in the country, was able to keep her team in the game with her playmaking and defensive pressure, but even she couldn’t seem to contain LSU’s physicality. The Tigers finished the first quarter with a slight advantage, 22-18, but the game felt far from over.

By the second quarter, LSU had built a commanding lead as Reese continued to dominate in the post. She had 14 points and 9 rebounds in the first half, putting Texas’ defense to the test. Despite Harmon finding her groove with a few mid-range jumpers and Taylor Jones chipping in with some tough baskets in the paint, LSU continued to pull away. At halftime, the Tigers were up 45-33, and it seemed like Texas had a steep hill to climb if they were to have any chance at a comeback.

Second Half: Texas Finds Its Rhythm and Makes a Run

Heading into the second half, it was clear that Texas would need to dig deep if they were to get back into the game. Head coach Vic Schaefer made several adjustments, including switching up the defensive assignments to try and slow down Reese. Schaefer also placed more responsibility on Rori Harmon, who had been a key facilitator in the first half, to become a more aggressive scorer.

The third quarter began with a sense of urgency from the Longhorns. Harmon took control, pushing the ball up the floor with pace and looking to create opportunities for her teammates. She scored 6 points in the first three minutes of the third quarter, including a pair of pull-up jumpers and a splash three-pointer that helped spark the Texas offense. Taylor Jones, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, also came to life in the third. With a series of strong post moves, she started to break down LSU’s defense, scoring 8 points in the quarter and grabbing crucial rebounds.

As Texas made its run, the crowd at Moody Center grew louder, energizing the Longhorns and creating a hostile environment for LSU. The Tigers, meanwhile, began to show signs of fatigue as they struggled to handle the speed and pressure of Texas’ transition game. The Longhorns’ defense, which had been passive in the first half, started to ratchet up the intensity. They forced LSU into several turnovers and contested shots, allowing Texas to cut the deficit down to just 3 points as the quarter came to a close, with LSU leading 58-55.

Final Quarter: The Drama Unfolds in the Last Few Minutes

With everything on the line in the final 10 minutes, it was clear that this game would come down to the wire. LSU had dominated for much of the game, but Texas had shown that they weren’t about to back down. The Longhorns’ offense continued to click as they tied the game at 63-63 with about six minutes left. But LSU wasn’t ready to give up their lead just yet. Reese, who had been phenomenal throughout, answered with a powerful and-1 finish in the paint, putting LSU up 66-63.

But this time, Texas didn’t flinch. Aaliyah Moore, who had struggled in the first half, stepped up big in the final quarter, scoring 8 points in a span of four minutes. Her mid-range shooting, combined with her presence on the glass, gave Texas the spark they needed to take the lead for the first time since the opening minutes of the game. The momentum had completely shifted.

With just under two minutes remaining, the game was tied at 74-74, and both teams were on edge, knowing that this could be the deciding stretch of the contest. After a missed shot from LSU’s LaDazhia Williams, Texas had the ball with a chance to win it. Schaefer called for a timeout to draw up the final play, and what followed was a perfectly executed inbound pass to Taylor Jones, who found herself open in the paint. Jones didn’t hesitate and went up for the layup, drawing the foul in the process. She converted the free throw to give Texas a 3-point lead with just 15 seconds remaining.

LSU had one last chance to tie the game, but Flau’jae Johnson’s contested three-pointer missed, and the Longhorns secured the rebound. The crowd erupted as the final buzzer sounded, and Texas had completed the incredible comeback with a 78-74 victory.

Key Performances

The win over LSU was a team effort, but a few standout performances were critical to the Longhorns’ success.

Rori Harmon was absolutely brilliant in this game, finishing with 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her ability to control the game and orchestrate Texas’ offense was invaluable, particularly during their comeback in the second half. Harmon’s leadership and poise under pressure were on full display, and she was the primary reason the Longhorns were able to stay composed while mounting their rally.

Taylor Jones, who had a relatively quiet first half, made a huge impact in the second half, contributing 16 points and 9 rebounds, including some clutch baskets in the final moments. Her presence in the paint was key in breaking down LSU’s defense and keeping the Longhorns in the game.

Aaliyah Moore, who had struggled earlier, finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds, but her contributions in the final quarter were vital to Texas’ success. Moore’s timely scoring, combined with her work on the boards, helped Texas regain control in the crucial final stretch.

For LSU, Angel Reese was spectacular, finishing with 26 points and 15 rebounds, but the Tigers couldn’t contain the momentum shift in the second half. Flau’jae Johnson also contributed 13 points, but LSU’s inability to close out the game defensively ultimately cost them.

What This Victory Means for Texas

This victory over LSU is not just another win in the regular season—it is a statement. It proves that Texas can compete with, and beat, the best teams in the country, even when facing adversity. With their backs against the wall, the Longhorns showed incredible resilience and determination to come back from a double-digit deficit and take down one of the most formidable teams in women’s college basketball.

This victory also enhances Texas’ position in the national rankings, cementing them as a Top-5 team and a serious championship contender. Schaefer’s squad has now firmly established themselves as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball, and their ability to win close, high-pressure games will serve them well as the NCAA Tournament draws closer.

For LSU, this loss is a tough one to swallow, but it doesn’t define their season. They remain a powerhouse, and their ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial as they look ahead to the postseason.

Looking Ahead: Big 12 and Beyond

For Texas, this win represents a significant step forward as they look to finish strong in the Big 12 and beyond. With a deep, talented roster and the leadership of Schaefer

, the Longhorns are well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, they know that their journey is far from over, and this win over LSU is just the beginning of what could be a historic season.

As for LSU, despite the loss, they will no doubt be one of the favorites heading into March Madness, with their talent and experience making them a dangerous opponent for anyone.

The showdown between Texas and LSU may have come to an end, but its implications will be felt throughout the remainder of the season as both teams strive to claim the ultimate prize in women’s college basketball.