The No. 4 Texas Longhorns opened their 2024-25 basketball season with a resounding victory over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on Sunday afternoon. Led by a standout performance from senior forward Taylor Jones, the Longhorns cruised to a 66-29 halftime lead and never looked back, ultimately securing a comfortable win.

Longhorns Flex Their Muscles in Season Opener

Dominant First Half Sets the Tone

The Longhorns wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 15-9 lead in the opening minutes of the game. Taylor Jones, the 6-foot-4 senior forward, was unstoppable in the paint, scoring 16 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting performance in the first half. Jones also made her presence felt on the defensive end, recording three steals and a block.Freshman guard Zoe Best led the Redhawks with seven points, but the Longhorns' stifling defense kept the visitors in check throughout the opening half. Texas entered the halftime break with a commanding 66-29 advantage, leaving little doubt about the outcome of the game.

Rori Harmon Shines in Return from Injury

One of the highlights of the game was the return of Texas point guard Rori Harmon, who missed the end of last season due to a knee injury. Harmon showed no signs of rust, contributing eight points, six assists, and three rebounds in the first half. Her most impressive play came at the end of the half, when she chased down her own missed shot and set up a buzzer-beating basket by Kyla Oldacre with a behind-the-back pass.Harmon's performance was a welcome sight for the Longhorns, who will rely heavily on her leadership and playmaking abilities as they look to build on their successful 2023-24 campaign.

Balanced Scoring Attack Overwhelms Redhawks

In addition to Jones' dominant outing, the Longhorns received significant contributions from several other players. Sophomore guard Madison Booker opened the season with a strong performance, recording nine points, three rebounds, and three assists in the first quarter alone.Oldacre and Aaliyah Moore also reached double-digit scoring totals, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Longhorns' roster. Texas head coach Vic Schaefer will be pleased with the team's balanced scoring attack, which should make them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

Laila Phelia's Debut Delayed

One notable absence from the Longhorns' lineup was senior guard Laila Phelia, who transferred to Texas from Michigan during the offseason. A UT spokesperson confirmed that Phelia would not play against the Redhawks, but no reason was given for her unavailability.Phelia, who led Michigan in scoring last season, was expected to be a key addition to the Longhorns' roster. Her absence in the season opener was a surprise, but the Longhorns were still able to dominate without her, suggesting the depth of their roster.

Texas Looks to Build on Successful 2023-24 Campaign

The Longhorns' convincing win over the Redhawks sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024-25 season. After a successful 2023-24 campaign that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns are poised to make a deep run in the postseason.With a talented roster led by the likes of Jones, Harmon, and Booker, the Longhorns have the potential to challenge for a spot in the Final Four and beyond. As they continue to gel and develop chemistry, the Longhorns will be a team to watch in the coming months.