Lady Longhorns Best Aggies for Final Time

On Sunday afternoon, Texas A&M (20-9) rolled into Austin looking for revenge. After a 76-71 loss on Jan. 15 to Texas (18-12), this was the Aggies’ last chance to make a statement before the Lone Star Showdown winds down and the schools go their separate ways.

Texas, however, had no intention of taking it easy on the Aggies. Needing a strong season finish to reach the NCAA tournament, Texas took the court Sunday set on making a statement.

After a back and forth first 20 minutes, the Longhorns carried a 39-34 lead into halftime. After intermission, the Aggies drew first blood, cutting the lead to three, 39-36. For Texas A&M, it was false hope. From that point forward, it was all Texas.

Senior captain Yvonne Anderson’s career-high 25 points and nine assists helped the Longhorns run up an 18-point lead over the Aggies. A three-pointer at the buzzer by Alexia Standish trimmed the final score to 79-64, but Texas’ dominance Sunday was expressed loud and clear.

“If I could’ve chosen any opponent for my last game here at the Erwin Center, it would have been Texas A&M,” senior post Ashley Gayle said after the game. “A&M has a great team and a great program, but for our team to come together and put it all out there is great. It’s a great win for us and a great way to go out.”

While the Aggies have stumbled of late, Texas is peaking at the right time. The Longhorns' win over Texas A&M should solidify their inclusion in the NCAA tournament.

Their victory Sunday also gives the team a perfect 4-0 sweep over Texas A&M in men’s and women’s basketball this season. Texas women are now 60-23 all-time against the Aggies, dating back to 1975. With no more scheduled meetings between the schools, Texas continues to stockpile bragging rights for years to come.

Photo courtesy UT Athletics.