Texas women's basketball tames the Lions in non-conference finale

Texas women's basketball hosted the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions at the Moody Center this afternoon. Today was the final non-conference game before the Longhorns begin their SEC schedule next week. After taking on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, you'd think Texas would take today seriously since South Dakota hung with them for most of that game. I don't really count the Northwestern State game, since it was expected to be a blowout

The Longhorns got out to a fast lead against the Lions after a couple of missed shots to begin the game. Texas went on to beat the Lions 120-38 this afternoon and it felt like a repeat game when the Longhorns took on the Northwestern State Demons. Vic Schaefer has to find lower division 1 schools to take on that will give the Longhorns more of a challenge, like South Dakota State.

Here are the four takeaways from today's game against the Lady Lions:

1. Taking care of business as usual

When the Longhorns take on a Southland conference team, you can expect a blowout. Just like how the Longhorns subdued the Lady Demons before Christmas, Southeastern Louisiana was no match for the Longhorns. Rori Harmon and Madison Booker looked like WNBA All-Stars in today's blowout.

2. 20 forced turnovers in the first half by Texas' defense

I shouldn't be surprised at this point that Texas forced this many turnovers in the first half of this afternoon's game. Schaefer is known for having good defensive teams, and it showed in the first half. I will be interested to see how this defense translates as Texas begins its SEC schedule next week, starting with Mizzou.

3. Longhorns are ready for the SEC

One thing I've noticed over the course of the non-conference schedule is how consistently good the Longhorns have played. Texas looks ready for its conference schedule, which will be a true test of how good this year's team really is. This team has faced a lot of adversity with all the injuries and has found a way to remain undefeated. That's a trait many championship basketball teams have.

Let's see if it translates during their conference schedule.

4. Can Schaefer schedule any other division 1 teams?

Schaefer needs to find other division 1 teams that will challenge his squad before conference play. I know he wants to schedule teams that the Longhorns are likely to win against.

However, he should at least schedule a challenging squad instead of one that Booker is walking into the paint for free layups.

The Longhorns begin their SEC schedule on the road at Mizzou on New Year's Day.