Austin, TX – In a game pitting these two top 25 programs against each other for just the third time in history, the No.8-ranked Texas Longhorns depth, aggressiveness and size was too much for the No. 12-ranked Florida State Seminoles in a 87-72 Texas win.
After surviving the initial Seminole onslaught (7-of-7 to start the game), the Longhorns clawed back into the game and finished the second quarter strong. With a lead of one point at the start of the third quarter, Texas began to impose their will physically ending the game with 46 points in the paint and out-rebounding the Seminoles by 14 (19 offensive rebounds). A solid defensive effort from the Longhorns in the second half coupled with a sizzling 61 percent from the field (19-of-31) allowed Texas to pull away for the comfortable victory.
Jatarie White recorded her first double-double of her career scoring 12 points and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds (six ORBs). White’s physical play inside set the tone for the Longhorns in the second half as Texas pulled away for the victory.
Brooke McCarty was a big factor in Sunday’s win scoring 24 points along with six assists and zero turnovers. McCarty provided a spark offensively scoring all over the court and finding open teammates when driving to the basket.
Along with her 15 points, two assists and four steals on the day, Lashann Higgs was the hardest working player on the court Sunday with multiple hustle/effort plays that made the difference for her team. Higgs sees the floor beautifully and has great instincts on the defensive end.
Despite shooting 45 percent from the floor as a team, Florida State’s 72 points was their lowest point total of the season. The Seminoles were ultimately doomed by scoring droughts in both the third quarter (3:34) and fourth quarter (4:01) that put them out of reach. The size of Texas made it difficult for the Florida State to get quality looks at the rim and were unable to get to the foul line (lowest FTA this season).
AJ Alix matched her season high in three-pointers made (6) scoring 21 points and dishing out eight assists on the day. Alix offense was needed as the Longhorns made it difficult for the Seminoles’ leading scorer Shakayla Thomas to get anything easy at the rim. Thomas’ ability to seal off defenders / position herself inside offensively is impressive – especially at her size (5-11). She is a confident scorer and playmaker with a bevy of shots she is comfortable taking.
Texas (9-1) will go on the road to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Thursday, December 28th before returning to Austin. Florida State (10-1) will travel to face Creighton on Thursday, December 21st.
This article was written by Justin Ullestad, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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