Texas shuts down any chance of a close game in a decisive win over Alabama

Texas women's basketball kicked off its quest for the SEC Conference Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide last night. After seeing the Crimson Tide play on Thursday and how they almost beat Texas in the last regular-season game, it was going to be interesting to see how the Longhorns would play defense. Limiting Alabama to ten points in the first quarter was a great start. Texas would go on to win 80-63 and advance to the semifinals, where they will take on the Ole Miss Rebels, who upset the Vanderbilt Commodores.

While the Longhorns did a great job on defense, I was not happy with some of the missed three-point shots. I know there will be nights when the Longhorns make them or miss them; however, some of them felt forced when the Longhorns could have passed the ball around for a better shot.

Here are four takeaways from last night's win over the Crimson Tide:

1. First quarter was a great start

Even though it seemed like a low-scoring affair to kick off the quarterfinals yesterday, the Longhorns brought the defense and made Alabama work for every point to begin the game. I was a little worried that the Crimson Tide would come out strong after their previous game and their hold-off of the Tennessee Volunteers. Leading 21-10 going into the first intermission is what you should expect to see from a Vic Scheafer defense. Great job, ladies.

2. Rori Harmon being herself

Rori Harmon showed up in the first half, making some ridiculous assists in the first quarter. She also added a pair of three-point shots in the second quarter, as she's showing why she will have her jersey retired one day in the Moody Center rafters. If the Longhorns wanted to beat the Crimson Tide last night, Harmon had to be unselfish with the ball. It's really going to sting when her career is over at Texas. There will never be another point guard that's as versatile as Rori.

3. Shutting down Jessica Timmons

The Longhorns had to shut down Crimson Tide guard Jessica Timmons if they wanted to beat them. Holding her to only eight points is something that should be a positive for the Longhorns. She was really finding her groove in the last couple of regular-season games and during their tournament run. However, it wasn't her night against Texas in the quarterfinals.

4. Whatever the pregame meal was last night, I hope it lasts the entire weekend

Texas really flexed its muscle in the second quarter by almost doubling its lead against the Crimson Tide. Either the Longhorns locked in and followed the scouting report, or they had one of the best pregame meals this season. Regardless of what transpired before the game, please have the same meal tonight. As a hockey reporter, superstitions start to creep into pregame routines this time of year. Do whatever you need to do to make a statement against Ole Miss.