3 takeaways from Texas's win over Butler
By Brian Sweet
Texas Women's Basketball took on the Butler Bulldogs in the semifinals of the Gulfcoast Showcase tonight. After beating the New Mexico State Aggies last night, this would be a more challenging test for the Longhorns.
The first period was very contested as both teams were locked in making their shots. It wasn't until the second period when the Longhorns took advantage of turnovers to lead them to a 94-59 win over the Bulldogs.
When I saw Butler's 6-1 record coming into tonight's matchup, I knew the Longhorns would have a more challenging test than they did last night. With the Notre Dame matchup next week, they need a couple of good games to get warmed up for one of the best teams in the nation so far this season.
The Longhorns will return tomorrow for another game as they compete for the Championship. Here are the three takeaways from tonight's win against the Bulldogs.
Takeaways from Texas Women's Basketball win over Butler: 3. Second quarter
The second quarter was the turning point for the Longhorns tonight. That is where the Longhorns separated themselves from the Bulldogs and took off toward victory. After only having a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter, the Longhorns scored 27 in the second quarter for a 47-28 lead at halftime. It was one heck of a second quarter of basketball for the Longhorns. The effort Texas displayed in the second period will be needed against the Fighting Irish.
2. Justice Carlton
I mentioned last night that I was excited to see if freshman forward Justice Carlton would get a more significant role in tonight's game against the Bulldogs. Not only did she have a massive role in the win, but she also set a new career high in points in her very young career.
She finished the game with 30 points in the massive win over the Bulldogs. Schaefer is starting to get comfortable with her on the court. She should be a factor in the championship game tomorrow for the Longhorns.
1. Rori Harmon moves up the list
Senior guard Rori Harmon passed Amy Claborn for third most assists by a Texas Longhorn Women's Basketball player. Harmon has had an illustrious career with the Longhorns, and it will be tough to see her leave the program at the end of the season. That is the type of player that Vic Schaefer will have a tough time replacing in the lineup.
I cannot wait to see her lead the Longhorns to victory against the Fighting Irish next week. However, the Longhorns will take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in the championship game tomorrow.