Texas women’s basketball scorches Florida 88–68 in Gainesville

Texas women's basketball returned to the court after a long week as they traveled to Gainesville, Florida, to take on the Gators last night. They were supposed to play the Arkansas Razorbacks on the road this past Sunday, but due to the winter weather, the game was postponed to later in February. One thing I was watching for was whether the Longhorns would have any rust after not playing for so long.

However, the Longhorns looked really good in the massive 88-68 win on the road.

Even though the Longhorns won the game, I'm sure Vic Schaefer is going to work on some things before Sunday's game against the Oklahoma Sooners. That's going to be a huge game, especially with ESPN in town for the State Farm Women's College Basketball Pregame show. You can't really blame the Longhorns for not being at the top of their game due to the winter weather; however, they need to improve in certain areas heading into February. Here are the four takeaways from tonight's game.

1. Won the battle on the boards

If you are going to beat the Gators on their home court, you have to win the battle on the boards. Texas did that by attacking the basket. I was really proud of how the Longhorns held off on taking excessive three-pointers. Instead, they attacked the rim and made sure to finish their layups and jumpers. That's the way Schaefer loves to win basketball games: dominate the paint and win the battle on the boards. Texas checked both of those off in the victory.

2. Madison Booker went off yesterday

Madison Booker was one of the players that I wanted to see take charge for the Longhorns against Florida, and she did just that. Her 24 points were a huge part of the reason why the Longhorns were able to come away with the win in Gainesville. I thought this was one of her better performances during conference play. Last night's Booker is the version the Longhorns need against teams like LSU and South Carolina.

3. It was surprising to see how Me'Arah O'Neal was guarded

I don't know if it was part of the Longhorns' game plan, but O'Neal was able to get to the basket easily in the first half. After the game she had against LSU the other day, you would think the Longhorns would really put the pressure on her. She had 16 points by halftime, and that's not how Texas is going to win in the SEC this season. Texas has to do a better job of clamping down on excellent players.

4. Rori Harmon celebrated her birthday

Nothing like wrapping up our pregame article with something nice. The team celebrated Rori Harmon's birthday while in Gainesville. They celebrated by singing " Happy Birthday " at one of their meals at the hotel.

You can tell that she was pleased that her teammates surprised her and made sure to recognize her on gameday. After all the crazy winter weather Texas had this past week, the Longhorns will take on the Oklahoma Sooners at the Moody Center on Sunday.

Make sure to tune into the Women's Basketball pregame show Sunday morning.