Texas women's basketball survives scare against #18 Kentucky in tight finish

Texas women's basketball returned to the Moody Center to host the No.18 Kentucky Wildcats yesterday after they routed the #5 LSU Tigers last Thursday in a huge SEC showdown. Kentucky definitely came to play, as it was super close down the stretch. However, the Longhorns pulled away in the fourth quarter, taming the Wildcats 64-53. While the Longhorns got the win last night, the second-half defense is something that will make Vic Schaefer angry.

Before the game, Rori Harmon was presented with a basketball honoring her for being the new steals leader in Texas women's basketball history. If there were a Mount Rushmore of Texas point guards, she would definitely be front and center. There's a reason why the Longhorns' offense runs effortlessly night in and out.

Let's take a look at four takeaways from yesterday's amazing win against the Wildcats in Austin.

1. Rori Harmon got subbed out fast

I was watching the game, and Rori Harmon went to the bench extra early last night. Usually, she gets her rest near the end of the first quarter. It could just be that the matchup didn't favor having her out there at the moment, but it's something that confused me. It's not like Harmon was taking wild contested shots to force something. I do know that Vic benched her against the Tigers after some bad decisions. It could be nothing, and I'm overreacting to her coming out of the game earlier than usual.

2. Texas made a lot of smart shot selections

One last thing about the first quarter that I loved was how smart the shot selection was. It's not like the Longhorns were dribbling down the court, yelling "Kobe" and airballing a three-point shot. They were attacking the rim and capitalizing on some of the turnovers they forced. Going 10/15 on FG's is something to take away as a positive coming out of the opening tip-off. That's the start the Longhorns will need once they make it to the NCAA Women's Basketball tournament.

3. Justice Carlton carried the Longhorns in the first half

The Longhorns wouldn't have been leading by ten at halftime if it weren't for Justice Carlton in the first half of the game. She had an amazing first half, with 12 points by halftime. Schaefer is going to have an arsenal at his disposal when the SEC Tournament rolls around if she continues to be an accurate and consistent shooter. There's a reason why she's in the starting lineup at the small forward position.

4. Texas was relaxed in the second half

Kentucky got back into the game in the second half with some physical basketball, and it should concern Schaefer. It was like the Longhorns decided that a 14-point lead was good enough to secure the win. Luckily, Texas did just enough to come away with the much-needed SEC victory.

The Longhorns return to action on Thursday as they travel to Nashville to take on the No.5 Commodores.