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No. 2 Texas puts on defensive masterclass in win over No. 13 Baylor
Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Dickies Arena. Chris Jones-Imagn Images

No. 2 Texas puts on defensive masterclass in win over No. 13 Baylor

The second-ranked Texas Longhorns had four ranked wins to their credit coming into Sunday, and there was not much standing in their way of a fifth such win against No. 13 Baylor.

The Longhorns put together a defensive clinic in an 89-54 rout to improve to 12-0 and take down a former Big 12 rival in the process.

Texas was an efficient 49% from the field, but the defense was once again a factor. The Longhorns had 19 steals, scored 48 points in the paint and had 42 points off 30 Baylor turnovers.

Madison Booker, defense carry Texas to dominate win

The Longhorns got out to a 29-13 lead after the first quarter and led by as many as 38 in their latest dominant performance. Booker had a lot to do with that success, scoring a team-high 27 points (12-of-17 FG), showing why she came into the game averaging a team-best 17.5 points per game.

The Texas defense, though, stole the show and made it difficult on Baylor the entire game. This steal from forward Justice Carlton led to a transition layup from guard Rori Harmon to extend the Longhorns lead to 76-44 with 6:26 remaining:

Prior to the win over Baylor, Texas was only allowing 53.5 PPG while forcing the 14th-most turnovers per game (23.9). Having allowed no more than 65 points all season, it is becoming clear how impressive Texas' defense has been and why it has proven itself as one of the best teams in the country.

A straightforward conclusion to non-conference play awaits the Longhorns before the SEC slate begins on New Year's Day against Missouri. If Texas continues to have its way defensively, it is going to be difficult to slow down, especially considering it already owns a win over SEC foe and then-No. 2 South Carolina earlier this season.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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