Texas women’s basketball had one of three focuses in Saturday’s Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky, head coach Vic Schaefer said.
“We really got to rebound today. We’ve got to do a great job defensively with our scout and then we’ve got to make free throws,” he said after the Longhorns’ 76-54 win.
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Texas outrebounded Kentucky 38-29. Schaefer also wanted to see some defense, and the Longhorns had 16 steals and 26 points off 24 Wildcats turnovers.
But Texas was just 5 of 15 from the free-throw line.
“That was the one thing we probably didn’t do very well, but you know, I’m glad Rori (Harmon) is not worried about it,” Schaefer said.
The Longhorns were a 73% free-throw shooting team ranking sixth in the SEC, and having 10 extra points on the board can make a difference if a team wins or loses.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) dribbles the ball towards the Oregon basket during the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Moody Center on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Austin.
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“We’ll fix it. That’s all I have to say,” Harmon said.
Despite Texas not satisfying their trio of focuses, a trio of sophomores stepped up to help carry the Longhorns to the Elite Eight.
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Jordan Lee leads the way
Second-year guard Jordan Lee paced with 18 points, shooting 8 of 13 from the field, 1-for-2 on 3-point attempts and notching three assists. The Californian also showed off her speed in the opening minutes when she made three fastbreak layups and assisted on a fourth.
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“We definitely put a premium on starting fast, getting out and punching first in the first five minutes,” Lee said.
Schaefer has relished that other teams have to focus on Lee in addition to Madison Booker and Harmon. In her freshman year, Lee had a season high 20 points and only started five games, comfortable coming off the bench. But she has taken advantage of a starting role this year, contributing to the strong guard play in the SEC this season. Lee is averaging 13.5 points, shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.9% on 3-pointers.
Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) blocks a shot attempt by Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and forward Madison Booker (35) sit on the bench during player introductions ahead of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) and Kentucky center Clara Strack (13) fight for a rebound during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) celebrates a score during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) guards Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) holds her hand after an injury during the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Kentucky forward Teonni Key (7) blocks a shot by Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns band members sing during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) pushes towards the basket during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Kentucky forwards Kaelyn Carroll (21) blocks a shot by Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) directs her team during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) passes the ball after tripping during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Bryann Preston (1) and forward Justice Carlton (11) block a shot by Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) guards Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) passes the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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KEntucky center Clara Strack (13) shoots the ball past Texas Longhorns center Kyla Oldacre (00) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) walks the court during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) guards Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) pushes past Kentucky forward Kaelyn Carroll (2) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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A Texas Longhorns fan holds up a sign for Rori Harmon during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) celebrates after a score during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) is guarded by Kentucky forward Teonni Key (7) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) sits on the floor after a fall during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan (5) shoots the ball during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns huddle on the court during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer disputes a call during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) blocks a shot by Kentucky center Clara Strack (13) during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer watches from the sideline during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) shoots a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) and forward Madison Booker (35) celebrate as Sarah Graves (6) shoots free throws during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates after making a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Sarah Graves (6) celebrates after making a free throw during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) leaves the court after winning the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game against Kentucky at Dickies Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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“You can have all the size in the world, but if you don’t have guard play, you can’t win,” Schaefer said.
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Lee’s fellow sophomores got in on the fun. Bryanna Preston came off the bench and scored four points, but had the heavy order of running the offense. It’s typical for Schaefer to rotate her in for Harmon, but the honorable mention All-American suffered an injury in the first quarter (though she reentered early in the second).
“It’s really inspiring because I’m like, ‘when I get in the game, I have to do the same thing (Harmon does),'” Preston said.
When sitting on the bench icing her hand, Harmon was proud of how Preston stepped up in her stead.
“I’ve seen her grow so much in like, every area, like, trying to demand the floor more, and it’s what we need on the court at the time,” Harmon said of her heir apparent.
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Sophomore Justice Carlton posted five points and five rebounds. She also made her only attempted 3-pointer to give Texas the lead in the first quarter that it didn’t relinquish. She was tasked with helping guard a Kentucky team that started three players 6-foot or taller and played 32 minutes, tied for the second-most for Texas.
Playing all four quarters
Texas got off to a hot start, but Schaefer said the Longhorns can’t be turning on and off the heat during the course of a game. And his team agrees.
“We just want to clean up some of the things in the third quarter and make it an even better second half,” Lee said.
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Texas won the first quarter against Kentucky by 18 points and the second by four. However, they were outscored in the third and allowed a 9-1 run that bled into the fourth quarter. Playing with speed could help the Longhorns in the Elite Eight against Michigan, making it so Texas controls the pace and not the other way around.
“Watching their game today, they want to get up the court and play fast. I think we have to do a good job of getting back and communicating on defense,” Booker said of Michigan.
Plus Michigan likes to shoot and has three strong options from behind the arc with Olivia Olson (31.7%), Syla Swords (34.5%) and Mila Holloway (34.9%). If Texas wants a spot in the Final Four for the second straight year, their shooting has to improve from Saturday’s 3-for-9 mark.
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Texas and Michigan play at 6:30 p.m. Monday.