AUSTIN, Texas – The No. 4 ranked Texas Women’s Basketball team continued its undefeated season by comprehensively defeating Penn 81-63 on Sunday at the Moody Center. This victory marked an impressive eighth straight win for the Longhorns.
Madison Booker was a standout performer, recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while also achieving an exceptional 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Teya Sidberry complemented her performance with another double-double, scoring 13 points and collecting 12 rebounds, including a significant contribution in the final quarter where she scored nine of her points.
Buckets from Breya Cunningham opened the scoring for Texas, but the Longhorns found themselves trailing 15-11 at the end of the first quarter, despite forcing seven turnovers from Penn.
The tide turned in the second quarter, led by Justice Carlton, who scored six consecutive points to ignite an 18-0 run for Texas. The Longhorns’ defense tightened, forcing five additional turnovers and establishing a 33-18 lead. By halftime, Texas held a commanding 41-27 advantage, with Carlton leading all scorers with 10 points at the break. Notably, Rori Harmon contributed defensively with four steals, while Madison Booker grabbed seven rebounds during the first half.
Throughout the third quarter, Texas maintained their lead, extending it to 59-45 after adding 18 points and showcasing perfect free-throw shooting.
As the final quarter began, Booker showcased her composure at the line, continuing her perfect streak with six consecutive made free throws. An 8-0 run by the Longhorns sealed the win, concluding the game with an 81-63 scoreline.
Key Highlights and Postgame Notes
- The Longhorns improved their season record to 8-0.
- This win was Texas’s 30th consecutive victory at the Moody Center, and they boast a stellar 55-5 all-time record on their home court.
- With four steals, Rori Harmon not only elevated her Texas career assist tally to 781 but also reached a total of 301 career steals, now sitting just three away from fourth place on the Longhorns’ all-time list.
- During the pivotal second quarter, Texas outscored Penn 30-12, completely shifting the momentum of the game.
- The team’s bench contributed significantly, adding 27 points to the total score.
- The Longhorns excelled at free-throw shooting, making 20 of 22 attempts, translating to an impressive 90.9 percent success rate.
- In their last three contests, Texas has converted 86.4 percent of their free-throw attempts, with Madison Booker notably finishing today’s game 11-for-11.
- In the second quarter alone, Texas made 12 of 14 field goals, demonstrating offensive efficiency.
- Overall, Texas dominated the boards, outrebounding Penn 44-25, including 19 offensive rebounds.
- Booker achieved her second double-double of the season and twelfth in her career with today’s performance.
Next, Texas will host North Carolina as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m. CT, to be broadcast on ESPN 2.
