AUSTIN, Texas — In a commanding performance, Madison Booker led the No. 4 Texas Longhorns to an impressive 83-41 victory over Tarleton State on Wednesday, scoring a total of 25 points.
Booker, recognized as a preseason All-American by the Associated Press, dominated the first half with 20 points, helping Texas secure a substantial 53-23 lead by halftime. After a standout opening half, she only played for nine minutes in the second half.
Shay Holle contributed significantly to the win with 14 points, while Rori Harmon added 11 points along with four steals. Kyla Oldacre, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-6, provided solid support with nine points and ten rebounds.
For Tarleton State, Arieona Rosborough was the top scorer with 11 points, and Miannah Little chipped in with 10 points. However, the Texans struggled offensively, shooting just 30% from the field and committing a staggering 29 turnovers throughout the game.
Key Insights:
Tarleton State entered the matchup with an average of 19.3 turnovers per game, ranking them 262nd nationwide. Facing a Texas squad that forces an average of 29 turnovers per game—seventh best in the nation—Tarleton struggled and nearly matched its turnover average by halftime with 18.
Texas’s Booker gained recognition last season for her outstanding mid-range jump shot, particularly while playing as point guard during an injury to Harmon. Against Tarleton, she demonstrated her offensive skills, mixing in driving layups alongside two 3-point shots.
A pivotal moment in the game came when the Longhorns launched an 18-2 run within a five-minute span during the first quarter, extending their lead to 31-10 by the end of the period. Booker excelled in that quarter, making 6 of 8 shots and scoring 13 points.
One notable statistic was Texas’s overwhelming 35-6 advantage in points scored off turnovers, with their fast-break opportunities resulting in a 15-3 edge.
Looking ahead, Tarleton State is set to take on Houston Christian next Tuesday night. On the other hand, Texas will face New Mexico State on November 29 in Estero, Florida.