No. 5 Texas Dominates No. 18 Alabama 84-40 in Women’s Basketball

Madison Booker scored 21 points in just 18 minutes, leading No. 5 Texas to a commanding 84-40 victory over No. 18 Alabama on Thursday night at the Moody Center in Austin. The win extended Texas’ streak to nine consecutive victories and marked their 16th straight home win since late January 2024.

The Longhorns (16-1, 3-0 SEC) dominated from the start, outscoring Alabama 29-7 in the first quarter. Alabama (15-2, 2-1) struggled to recover, committing 20 turnovers and shooting just 27% from the field. Texas capitalized on Alabama’s mistakes, scoring 33 points off turnovers compared to Alabama’s 5.

Taylor Jones contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while point guard Rori Harmon added 10 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Alabama’s leading scorer, Zaay Green, was held to just five points, well below her season average of 17 points per game.

Alabama’s struggles were compounded by the absence of Sarah Ashlee Barker, a 2024 All-SEC first-team player, who missed her second straight game due to a lower leg injury. Aaliyah Nye, one of the nation’s top 3-point shooters, shot just 1 for 8 from beyond the arc.

Texas’ defense was relentless, holding Alabama to 4 for 23 on 3-point attempts. The Crimson Tide entered the game averaging nine 3-point baskets per game but were stifled by the Longhorns’ defensive pressure.

Booker, a second-team AP All-American last season, was nearly flawless before foul trouble limited her playing time. She went 4 for 4 from the field and 3 for 4 from the free-throw line in the first seven minutes before picking up two fouls. She returned in the third quarter to help seal the victory.

Texas will face a tougher test on Sunday when they travel to play No. 2 South Carolina. Alabama, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Mississippi on the same day.