Although a little bit gradual, No. 2 Texas selections up 70-51 street win over South Dakota State

Introduction

The No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team secured a decisive 70-51 victory over South Dakota State on the road, improving their season record and maintaining their position among the nation’s elite. While the final score reflected a comfortable margin, Head Coach Vic Schaefer noted that the team’s performance had a “gradual” start. This road win highlighted the Longhorns’ defensive intensity and depth, proving that even when the offense isn’t immediately clicking, their championship-caliber defense can carry them through tough environments.

Key Points

Background

The matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits was a significant non-conference test for the Big 12 powerhouse. South Dakota State, historically a strong program in the Summit League known for disciplined play and shooting, posed a unique challenge for the Longhorns. Playing on the road in a hostile environment like Frost Arena in Brookings, South Dakota, is never an easy task for a top-ranked team.

Texas entered the game looking to build momentum heading deeper into the season. Coach Vic Schaefer, a veteran leader known for his defensive philosophy, has consistently stressed the importance of “road wins” regardless of how they look. The Longhorns were looking to avoid a “trap game” scenario, where a highly ranked team might overlook a less-heralded opponent on the road.

Analysis

The Gradual Start

As Coach Schaefer pointed out, the game began “a little bit gradual.” This is a common phrase in basketball analysis referring to a slow-paced, sometimes sloppy opening period where neither team finds an immediate rhythm. For Texas, this meant struggling with offensive flow and perhaps some early turnovers. However, the key takeaway is that the Longhorns did not panic. Instead of forcing the issue, they leaned on their defensive structure.

Setting the Tone

Schaefer credited the team’s morning shootaround for setting the right tone. In college basketball, the shootaround is crucial for mentally preparing for the specific defensive schemes of the opponent. When a team arrives at the arena with high focus, it minimizes the “gradual” aspect of the game. Even when shots aren’t falling, a focused shootaround translates to defensive effort, rebounding, and limiting transition points—all of which were evident in the 70-51 final.

Defensive Adjustments

The 51 points allowed to South Dakota State is a testament to Texas’s defensive adjustments. The Longhorns likely utilized their length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. In a “gradual” game, the offense often stalls, but a top-tier defense keeps the game within reach. By the second half, Texas’s defensive pressure likely forced South Dakota State into difficult shots, allowing the Longhorns to pull away.

Road Resilience

Winning on the road in women’s college basketball requires mental toughness. The environment in Brookings is difficult, and the Jackrabbits are a team that executes well at home. Texas’s ability to secure a 19-point win (70-51) despite a slow start demonstrates the maturity of the roster. They didn’t need to score 80 or 90 points to win; they won by controlling the tempo and the glass.

Practical Advice

For basketball coaches, players, and fans analyzing this game, there are several practical takeaways regarding how to handle “gradual” starts and road environments:

1. Prioritize the Shootaround

Coach Schaefer’s emphasis on the morning shootaround is a lesson in preparation. A productive shootaround isn’t just about making shots; it’s about visualization and communication. Teams should treat the shootaround as a mental rehearsal for the game’s intensity.

2. Trust Your Defense When Offense Stalls

When an offense feels “gradual” or out of sync, the practical advice is to lean on defense. Texas proved that you can win comfortably (70-51) without an explosive offensive performance by simply getting stops. Defense travels; offense can be streaky.

3. Value the Road Win

As Schaefer stated, “any win on the road is a great win.” For teams and fans, it is important to look past the aesthetics of a win. A gritty 19-point win on the road is worth exactly the same in the standings as a blowout at home. The practical advice is to celebrate the resilience required to win away from home.

4. Managing Tempo

When a game starts gradually, the team that controls the tempo usually wins. Texas likely adjusted their pace to ensure the game didn’t become a track meet, which would have favored the underdog. Controlling the clock and limiting possessions helps a favorite stabilize a game.

FAQ

Conclusion

The No. 2 Texas Longhorns’ 70-51 victory over South Dakota State was a textbook example of how championship-caliber teams win on the road. Despite a “gradual” start, Texas relied on defensive discipline and the mental preparation established during their morning shootaround. Coach Vic Schaefer’s philosophy that “any road win is a great win” proved true, as the Longhorns methodically expanded their lead throughout the game. This victory serves as a blueprint for resilience: when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, elite defense and mental toughness can secure the result.