Fifth-ranked Texas unleashes ferocious defense and Madison Booker's all-around brilliance against a determined Texas A&M squad seeking a major upset.
Sunday afternoon in Austin comes with a familiar hum ... burnt orange everywhere, maroon scattered stubbornly throughout the stands, and a rivalry that doesn’t need much marketing.
No. 4 Texas welcomes Texas A&M to town at 3 p.m. CT, and while the records suggest separation, rivalry games have a funny way of ignoring spreadsheets.
Texas (18-2, 4-2 SEC) enters angry.
Madison Booker’s 24-point night wasn’t enough in a tight 68-65 loss to South Carolina, and that usually means bad news for the next opponent.
The Longhorns are a perfect 12-0 at home and play defense like it’s personal, allowing just 54 points per game and holding opponents under 38 percent shooting.
Booker continues to do everything everywhere all at once, averaging 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, nearly four assists and 2.5 steals.
She’s the kind of player who can flip a game with one possession - steal, bucket, stare-down, repeat. Jordan Lee has quietly been a steady second punch, averaging 14 points over the last 10, and Texas has been scoring in bunches lately, nearly 87 points per game in that span.
Texas A&M (8-5, 1-3 SEC) arrives still searching for traction in conference play.
The Aggies are competitive, scrappy and dangerous - just ask anyone who’s been in a one-possession game with them.
Ny’Ceara Pryor is the engine, averaging 16.1 points and a hefty 7.6 assists, while also being a menace in passing lanes. Fatmata Janneh has been consistent as well, scoring nearly 13 per game over the last 10.
The chess match may come down to the arc.
Texas doesn’t rely heavily on the three, but A&M has allowed opponents to get comfortable there. Conversely, Texas’ defense typically erases perimeter rhythm. Something’s got to give.
This is the first SEC meeting between the rivals this season, which adds an extra layer of spice. Texas wants to remind everyone why it’s a title contender.
Texas A&M wants to flip the narrative and steal one in enemy territory.