The Texas/Oklahoma rivalry, formed in 1900 when the Longhorns were still called “Varsity,” has typically been fought on the gridiron. And though the game is usually competitive, the Longhorn and Sooner football teams haven’t both been ranked at the occasion of their meeting in more than three years. But on a chilly Saturday in late January, the Red River Rivalry had real implications in women’s basketball, with two top-20 teams tipping off in Austin. Facing off against #19 Oklahoma, the #6 Longhorns were looking for another statement win against their mortal enemies to the north. Perhaps just as importantly for head coach Karen Aston’s senior players: another crack at a Sooner team that has had Texas’ number since Aston was hired before the 2012-13 season, when players like Imani Boyette and Empress Davenport were mere freshmen. No matter. The Longhorns handled the Sooners, taking the game 83-76, behind dual 18-point efforts by those very seniors.
The game was a shining example of the Longhorns’ season to this point: a consistent performance all around, highlighted by superior showings by the senior leaders. So far this season, the Longhorns have taken down vaunted superpowers Tennessee and Stanford and steamrolled most of the Big 12 while averaging just under 75 points per game.
It also signaled a continued lack of exposure for a team as talented as it is. Last season, the Longhorns ranked 31st in average home attendance, trailing small schools like Toledo and Middle Tennessee. While average announced attendance has ticked up from around 3,300 to just under 4,000 per game this season, one of the best games in town is still largely invisible. As the Longhorns gear up for the Big 12 Championship and eventually the NCAA Tournament, Aston’s squad has sent a message to Longhorn faithful and the rest of the nation.
They’re all in.
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In the Zone
Another day, another win for the Texas women's basketball team.
Photos by Jeff Wilson // Text by Chris O'Connell
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Longhorn women's basketball head coach Karen Aston prepares for a Jan. 23 game against conference rivals Oklahoma.
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Hear Imani Boyette talk about upcoming games:
“We’re not worried.”Senior center and 2014-15 Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year Imani Boyette grabs a rebound during the pregame shoot-around.
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Hear Imani Boyette talk about her team:
“Honest to God, I appreciate you guys.”The then-17-1 Longhorns gather for one final huddle before tip-off.
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Texas cheerleaders pump up the small but rabid Frank Erwin Center crowd before the game begins.
Texas cheerleaders pump up the small but rabid Frank Erwin Center crowd before the game begins.
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Most of the Longhorn faithful on their feet as the game gets underway.
Most of the Longhorn faithful on their feet as the game gets underway.
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Though the Frank Erwin Center is less than a quarter full on average this season, the women’s team has plenty of diehard fans.
Though the Frank Erwin Center is less than a quarter full on average this season, the women’s team has plenty of diehard fans.
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Hear Celina Rodrigo on coming to UT:
“I love Texas.”No matter the contest, if the Longhorns are at home, the Hellraisers are in the house.
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After the 83-76 win, Brooke McCarty meets with one of her littlest fans on the court.
After the 83-76 win, Brooke McCarty meets with one of her littlest fans on the court.
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Led by senior Imani Boyette, the Longhorn women warm up for their first matchup of the year against Oklahoma. Boyette would go on to grab her 900th rebound during the game.
Led by senior Imani Boyette, the Longhorn women warm up for their first matchup of the year against Oklahoma. Boyette would go on to grab her 900th rebound during the game.
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Texas cheerleaders run from the tunnel to the court before the game.
Texas cheerleaders run from the tunnel to the court before the game.
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Hear Imani Boyette on her favorite memory of Coach Aston:
“It was wonderful.”Karen Aston gathers her team during a timeout en route to the program’s 999th win.
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The Longhorn Band in full swing.
The Longhorn Band in full swing.
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Hear Karen Aston on her team's vibe:
“We have a lot of fun.”Senior guard Empress Davenport leads the Longhorns in transition. Davenport finished the game with 18 points.
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Hear Brady Sanders on her last home game:
“It's probably going to be emotional.”Up 43-34 at the half, Texas retreats to the locker room. The Longhorns would lead the remainder of the game.
