AUSTIN, Texas — In a commanding performance, the University of Texas, ranked fourth, secured its seventh consecutive victory by defeating the 24th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores with a score of 87-66 on Thursday night.
Madison Booker was instrumental for Texas, scoring 20 points while efficiently converting 7 of 12 shot attempts. She also contributed six rebounds and four assists, helping the Longhorns to uphold a remarkable home-winning streak that extends to 19 games, dating back to January of the previous year. Shay Holle also made a notable impact with 16 points, including an impressive 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Other key contributors included Taylor Jones, who tallied 13 points alongside six rebounds, and Jordan Lee, who added 12 points. The Longhorns shot an impressive 52.8% from the field and boast an undefeated record of 15-0 when shooting 50% or higher.
Khamil Pierre led the scoring for Vanderbilt, finishing the game with 26 points, while Mikayla Blakes contributed 22 points. Despite facing a 15-point deficit in the first half, Vanderbilt managed to cut the lead down to five during the third quarter, largely due to Pierre’s efforts, who netted 12 points in that period. However, Texas quickly regained control with a 3-pointer from Lee, and the team closed the quarter strong, extending their lead to 13 points by the end of the frame, aided by a flurry of free throws from Jones, Booker, and Bryanna Preston.
For Vanderbilt, this game marked another disappointing outing offensively. Entering the matchup, the Commodores averaged an impressive 85.3 points per game, including 80 points in SEC contests. This was the second consecutive game, however, where they struggled to reach their average, having fallen to Mississippi in their last outing, 76-61.
Texas played without starting forward Aaliyah Moore, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery to treat tendinitis. There are hopes she will return during the season.
A key turning point in the game occurred when Jordan Lee hit two 3-pointers in the last 1:20 of the second quarter, propelling the Longhorns to a 38-25 advantage at halftime. Notably, Texas finished the game making nine 3-pointers, which is six more than their average in SEC matchups.
Statistically, it was a tough night for Vanderbilt regarding their perimeter shooting. The Commodores typically average seven 3-pointers made per game but were held to just two by the Longhorns.
Looking ahead, Vanderbilt will host Mississippi State next Thursday, while Texas will prepare to face the second-ranked South Carolina on Sunday.
