CHICAGO — Taylor Jones delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds, leading No. 4 Texas to a decisive 91-61 victory over DePaul on Sunday.
The 6-foot-4 senior demonstrated her efficiency by connecting on 10 of her 13 shot attempts, leaving the Blue Demons (2-2) struggling to find answers on both offense and defense.
On the defensive front, the Longhorns (3-0) were formidable, forcing DePaul into 25 turnovers, and achieving 11 steals along with five blocked shots.
The Blue Demons encountered a scoring drought lasting over seven minutes during the first quarter, allowing Texas to seize an 11-point lead by the end of the period. Even after DePaul managed to close the gap to six points early in the second quarter, they quickly gave up three consecutive layups, falling back into a double-digit deficit for the rest of the contest.
Graduate student Jorie Allen emerged as the leading scorer for DePaul, contributing 23 points.
Highlights from the Game:
Texas: Despite not sinking a single 3-pointer throughout the game, the Longhorns relied on their prowess in the paint, scoring an impressive 62 points inside the key, which represented more than 68% of their overall scoring.
DePaul: The Blue Demons struggled with their shooting, managing only 37.5% from the field, which included a mere 10-of-23 on layups. Ultimately, they could not withstand the size advantage possessed by Texas in the frontcourt.
Turning Point:
With under three minutes remaining in the first half and DePaul narrowing the deficit to 10 points, Jones took charge by scoring seven of the last nine points leading into halftime. Her pivotal and-one layup with two seconds left on the clock extended Texas’ lead to 15 going into the break.
Notable Statistic:
Texas showcased exceptional rebounding skills, securing 23 offensive rebounds while DePaul only managed 10. This dominance on the boards translated to 22 second-chance points for the Longhorns.
Upcoming Games:
Texas: The Longhorns will be back in Austin to take on Tarleton State on Wednesday.
DePaul: The Blue Demons are set to challenge another 2024 NCAA Tournament contender, Green Bay, on the road this Thursday.