The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
7-4, 1-0
Texas Tech
8-4, 0-1
No. 16/16 Women’s Hoops opens conference slate with win over Texas Tech, 67-47
12.29.2016 | Women's Basketball
Texas has won three consecutive Big 12 lid-lifters.
Box Score (PDF) | Postgame Notes | Postgame Quotes | Photo Gallery
AUSTIN, Texas – Junior Brooke McCarty registered a team-high 16 points and freshman Joyner Holmes posted her second double-double as No. 16/16 Texas Women's Basketball (7-4, 1-0 Big 12) defeated Texas Tech (8-4, 0-1 Big 12) in the first conference game of the season inside the Erwin Center on Thursday night, 67-47.
With the win, Texas has captured the past three conference lid-lifters.
The Longhorns lead the all-times series over the Lady Raiders, 68-29, and hold a 33-7 edge at home.
"I'm just excited that Big 12 play started," said Texas head coach Karen Aston. "I was really pleased with our team's effort. Not everything was perfect, and I don't think it's going to be, but I really thought that we executed a game plan and played hard."
McCarty complimented her 16 points with four rebounds and one assist, and Holmes's double-double came behind 10 points and rebounds. Senior Brianna Taylor rounded out the Longhorns in the double figures with 10 points, including a 5-7 effort from the field.
Senior Kelsey Lang and junior Ariel Atkins were just shy of their double-doubles. Lang posted eight points and tied her career-high with 13 rebounds, and Atkins posted nine points and eight boards along with a team-high three steals in the contest.
As a team, Texas shot 43.7 percent (31-71) from the field while holding Texas Tech to a 33.9 shooting percentage (19-56). The Horns outrebounded the Lady Raiders, 49-28, and has won every battle of the boards this season.
Texas Tech was led by sophomore Recee Caldwell with a game-high 24 points.
Texas darted off to a 16-4 lead to open the game at the 2:48 mark of the first, converting 12 points off layups. Texas Tech capped off the opening quarter with the next eight points, including two straight from downtown, to cut the margin to 16-12 Longhorns.
The Lady Raiders continued to nip at the Horns' heels, making it a one-possession game (20-17 Texas) after a jumper at the 4:46 mark of the second quarter. Atkins captured the next three buckets with midrange jumpers, and the Longhorns fired off the next ten points to lead at the half, 30-17.
Texas continued to drive ahead in the third, and a McCarty three forced a Texas Tech timeout at the 6:07 mark with the Horns holding the 43-22 edge. The teams continued to trade baskets, and a jumper from sophomore Lashann Higgs ended the third, 48-28 Longhorns.
It was an even 19-19 spread in the closing stanza with Texas Tech finding its strength once again from behind the arc. The Horns closed on an 8-0 stretch to take the game, 67-47.
Up next, Texas will play its first conference road game in Ames, Iowa on New Years Day as it takes on Iowa State. Tip inside the Hilton Coliseum is set for 12 p.m. CT and the game will be televised on FSN.
