Full Breakdown
Texas Women's Basketball Faces Setbacks Amidst SEC Challenges
1/14/2026, 7:53:48 AM
Texas Longhorns Suffer First Loss of the Season
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, previously undefeated at 18-0 and ranked No. 2, faced their first defeat of the season on January 11, 2026, losing 70-65 to the LSU Tigers. This loss not only marked a significant moment for Texas but also propelled LSU, who improved to 16-2, up six spots to No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The defeat dropped Texas to No. 4 in the rankings, behind UConn, South Carolina, and UCLA.
Game Overview and Key Performances
In the matchup against LSU, Texas struggled with ball security, committing 17 turnovers, a stark contrast to their season average of 10.2 turnovers per game. Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 24 points, while Kyla Oldacre contributed significantly with 16 points and 16 rebounds. LSU's Mikaylah Williams was pivotal, scoring 20 points and sealing the victory with a crucial three-pointer late in the game.
Criticism of SEC Scheduling
Following the loss, Texas head coach Vic Schaefer expressed frustration with the Southeastern Conference's scheduling format. He criticized the back-to-back road games against formidable opponents, stating, “They obviously have a vendetta against Texas... I have to play South Carolina on the road this year, as well as LSU. I get them back-to-back in the same week.” Schaefer emphasized the challenges posed by the SEC, describing it as “one monster after another,” and called for scrutiny of the scheduling decisions.
Upcoming Challenges
Texas is set to face No. 3 South Carolina on January 15, 2026, in what promises to be another challenging encounter. Schaefer acknowledged the need for his team to address their recent performance issues, emphasizing accountability and discipline as key areas for improvement.
Texas Tech Lady Raiders Maintain Undefeated Streak
In contrast, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders continued their impressive run, defeating the University of Houston 71-59 on January 13, 2026, to extend their undefeated record to 19-0. This victory ties the program record for the longest winning streak and marks a strong start to their Big 12 Conference play at 6-0. Senior guard Bailey Maupin led Texas Tech with 19 points, while Houston's senior guard contributed 17 points in a losing effort.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, both Texas and Texas Tech are navigating the complexities of the SEC and Big 12 landscapes, respectively. Texas must regroup quickly to face South Carolina, while Texas Tech looks to maintain momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against Kansas State. The outcomes of these games will be crucial as both teams aim to solidify their standings in their respective conferences.
