Longhorn Triumph: Texas Dominates Maryland 89-51 in January Showdown

NEWARK, N.J. — — Madison Booker tallied 28 points as No. 7 Texas overwhelmed eighth-ranked Maryland 89-51 on Monday during the first Coretta Scott King Classic.

The doubleheader, which also showcased No. 1 UCLA and 25th-ranked Baylor, was organized to pay tribute to King’s legacy and promote female empowerment in athletics. This marks the first occasion the names of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King have been authorized for a athletic event. The Bruins triumphed 72-57.

Texas (18-2) capitalized on Maryland’s weaknesses thanks to Booker. The preseason All-American scored 13 points in the first quarter, allowing the Longhorns to lead 28-12 after the initial period. By halftime, the score was 48-18.

Maryland (16-2) posed no challenge in the second half.

Kaylene Smikle led the Terrapins with 15 points, converting 11 of 12 attempts from the charity stripe.

Prior to the game, Maryland announced that reserve guard Bri McDaniel is out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in her right knee sustained the previous week against Minnesota.

The Terrapins also lost star guard Shyanne Sellers in the second quarter due to a right knee injury. She fell and her knee collided with another player. Although she returned for a brief moment, she was unable to continue.

Insights

Texas appeared to be one of the premier teams in the nation with Booker excelled. The Longhorns have a few weeks before they meet No. 2 South Carolina again, a team they lost to by 17 points eight days prior.

Maryland faces a hectic week ahead, with games against No. 12 Ohio State before they welcome No. 1 UCLA on Sunday. They cannot allow themselves to start as poorly as they did on Monday in either matchup.

Crucial moment

Texas was ahead 6-5 before unleashing a 13-point rally to take control of the game early on. Booker scored seven points during this pivotal stretch.

Significant statistic

The Longhorns made 37 field goals — five fewer than Maryland’s total attempts. The Terrapins committed 27 turnovers.

Next up

Texas will host No. 17 Tennessee on Thursday while Maryland travels to face 12th-ranked Ohio State the same evening.

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