The Texas women's basketball team secured a commanding victory over Maryland in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic on Monday. Held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., this marquee matchup between two highly ranked teams saw Texas dominate with an 89-51 win. The game was part of a televised doubleheader celebrating Martin Luther King Day, where Texas coach Vic Schaefer expressed pride in participating. Led by sophomore forward Madison Booker's impressive performance, the Longhorns showcased both offensive prowess and defensive resilience, forcing numerous turnovers and limiting Maryland's scoring opportunities.
Monday's game marked a significant milestone for both teams, especially as it coincided with the national observance of Martin Luther King Day. For Texas, the occasion held special meaning. Coach Schaefer emphasized the honor of playing in such a prestigious event dedicated to civil rights. Entering the contest, Texas had already established itself as a formidable force with a record of 17-2, while Maryland boasted an equally impressive 16-1. Both teams were ranked within the top ten, making the encounter all the more anticipated.
Maryland's Kaylene Smikle led her team in scoring with an average of 18 points per game, but it was not enough to overcome the Longhorns' relentless attack. From the outset, Texas demonstrated its superiority, with key players like Madison Booker, Taylor Jones, and Shay Holle contributing significantly to the scoreline. By halftime, Texas had already built a substantial lead, outscoring Maryland 48-18. Booker's stellar performance included 20 points in the first half alone, setting the tone for what would be a dominant display throughout the game.
The second half continued the trend, with Texas extending its lead further. By the end of the third quarter, the Longhorns were ahead by 34 points, leaving little doubt about the outcome. Defensively, Texas forced 27 turnovers from Maryland, stifling their offensive rhythm. Offensively, the team maintained a high shooting percentage, with Booker finishing the game with 28 points. Other notable contributors included Kyla Oldacre with 15 points, Taylor Jones with 13 points, and Shay Holle with 12 points.
In contrast, Maryland struggled to find its footing. Despite Smikle's efforts, scoring 15 points, including several free throws, the Terrapins could not match Texas's intensity. Shyanne Sellers, who was named Big Ten Player of the Week, left the game early due to an injury, adding to Maryland's challenges. The final score of 89-51 underscored the stark difference in performance between the two teams.
Texas's victory in the Coretta Scott King Classic highlighted the team's depth and versatility. The Longhorns' ability to dominate both offensively and defensively bodes well for their upcoming matches. Following this win, Texas will return to Austin to face No. 15 Tennessee in their next home game. The team's success in challenging matchups, particularly against top-ranked opponents, suggests that they are well-prepared for the remainder of the season. The Coretta Scott King Classic not only celebrated a historic moment but also served as a testament to the Longhorns' growing strength in women's college basketball.