Texas women's basketball began a challenging two-game stretch on the road as they took on the #12 LSU Tigers yesterday. It was very loud in Baton Rouge at the start of today's game, and you could tell Texas had a target on its back being the No.2 team in the country.
However, Texas got settled in and got to work as Madison "Mid-Range Maddie" Booker hit a couple of shots in the opening minutes. Unfortunately, Texas did not come away with the win in Baton Rouge as they lost 70-65.
The Tigers gave the Longhorns a run for their money last night, as Texas had to dig through its lineup to find any offense due to LSU's defense being so good. It goes to show that Kim Mulkey always has her teams well prepared and ready to play. Texas needs to really look back at this game because they have another tough test on the road this coming Thursday.
Here are four takeaways from today's game in Baton Rouge against the Tigers.
1. Trying to get Flau'jae Johnson in foul trouble
One thing the Longhorns tried to do right off the bat was get Flau'jae Johnson in foul trouble early. I can see why Vic Schaefer wanted her out of the game since she is a big piece of the Tigers' offense. While I appreciate the bold approach, I would have just left her alone. She started out 1-4 from the floor and Kim Mulkey immediately pulled her a couple minutes into the game. The last thing the Longhorns needed to do was get themselves in foul trouble.
2. LSU did a good job shutting down Rori Harmon
I have to give a little credit to Mulkey and the Tigers for shutting down Harmon from being an offensive threat. Harmon usually chips in on offense by going to the rim, and the Tigers didn't give her any lane for a layup this afternoon.
If Texas gets into that situation again, where Rori is defended well by an opponent, Schaefer needs to come up with a solution so that the offense doesn't stall as it did at times today. Tip your hat to the Tigers for taking one of Texas' key players out of the game.
3. Defensive lapses can really kill a comeback
I thought the Longhorns saw a light at the end of the tunnel when they had their run in the third quarter. However, all the offensive lapses and miscues gave the Longhorns their first loss of the season. The Longhorns aren't going to win many games in the SEC by having more turnovers than their opponent.
You also can't expect to win games by being out-rebounded as well. This is what really hurt the Longhorns yesterday.
4. Can't take any team for granted in the SEC
I was scared coming into the game against LSU because of what happened against Auburn the other night. You could tell Texas thought they were going into Baton Rouge and would easily get the win.
However, LSU had other plans and played a better overall game than the Longhorns. The biggest takeaway for the Longhorns is that they can't take any opponent for granted.
The Longhorns will be back in action on Thursday as they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.