The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
3-2
Syracuse
6-0
Women’s Basketball falls to Syracuse, 77-65
11.28.2013 | Women's Basketball
Sophomore Brady Sanders leads with 13 points in the Paradise Jam opener.
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – The University of Texas women's basketball team lost to Syracuse, 65-77, in the Reef Division of 2013 Paradise Jam on Friday night on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands.
Sophomore Brady Sanders led Texas (3-2) in scoring for the second time of her career with 13 points on a career-high 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range.
The Longhorns out-rebounded its opponent for the fifth time in as many games, edging the Orange 42-to-36 on the boards, but committed a season-high 23 turnovers. Syracuse scored 24 points off turnovers.
Texas and Syracuse traded baskets for the first 10 minutes of the game until the Orange went on a 9-0 run over a four-minute span to increase their lead to seven, 22-15. Junior point Krystle Henderson quieted the run temporarily after she drained a three to bring the Horns within four, 22-18.
Texas went without a field goal for over three minutes following Henderson's 3-pointer. Syracuse was able to capitalize on seven Texas turnovers during that span and increased their lead to 11. The Longhorns finished the half on a 5-0 run behind three points apiece from Henderson and senior GiGi Mazionyte to trail the Orange 24-29 at halftime.
Syracuse opened the second half on a 10-4 run fueled by six points from sophomore guard Brittney Sykes to increase their lead to 10. Texas was unable to close the gap as they fell short on full-court pressure efforts and failed to capitalize on 22 second-half free throws.
The Longhorns made a final push over the last 2:22, completing a 14-8 run off of three 3-pointers from Sanders.
Syracuse (6-0) finished with four players in double-figures, lead by freshman Tasia Butler's game-high 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
The Longhorns face No. 12/11 Texas A&M on Friday at 5 p.m. Central.
Notes
- Freshman guard Brianna Taylor played for the first time of her collegiate career on Thursday after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season workouts. Taylor registered two points (2-2 FT) with one steal in four minutes of action.
- Thursday was the first meeting between Texas and Syracuse on the hardwood.
- The Longhorns fall to 4-2 all-time in the Paradise Jam.
- Karen Aston will coach in her 200th career game as a collegiate head coach when Texas faces Texas A&M on Friday.
