UPDATE: The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team is gearing up for a fierce battle in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as they prepare to host Auburn on January 4, 2024. With a perfect 17-0 record, Texas is not only ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press poll but is also facing an SEC landscape that has been described as a “nightmare” by head coach Vic Schaefer.
The SEC has established itself as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, with 10 teams making the NCAA Tournament last year, including co-champions Texas and South Carolina, who both advanced to the Final Four. This season, the SEC boasts an unprecedented five teams in the top seven of the AP rankings, a first in the poll’s 50-year history.
With fierce competition at every turn, Schaefer noted, “You’re going to have to come through the SEC to win a national championship.” His sentiments were echoed by Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph, who emphasized the league’s dominance: “It is the best conference in college women’s basketball and it has been for a long time.”
As the Longhorns gear up to face Auburn, they must not underestimate their opponent. The Tigers, under new head coach Larry Vickers, are looking to improve their 11-5 record after struggling last season. Schaefer praised Auburn’s speed, stating, “They’ve won 11 games for a reason… I think they’re improved. I think they play really hard.”
The Longhorns’ path to success in the SEC is fraught with challenges, as they prepare for a grueling stretch that includes key matchups against ranked teams, including LSU and South Carolina> in the coming weeks. Schaefer has emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “If we’re not ready to play, we won’t get beat; we’ll get embarrassed.”
Texas senior guard Ashton Judd, who brings valuable SEC experience from her time at Missouri, added, “It can be anybody’s game at any given night… the team that shows up with focus and intensity is the one that comes out on top.”
With heightened stakes and intense rivalry, the Longhorns are on high alert as they face Auburn, knowing that every game in the SEC is crucial for their championship aspirations. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive showdown at the Moody Center as Texas aims to maintain their undefeated streak and solidify their position as a top contender in women’s college basketball.
Stay tuned for updates as the Texas Longhorns navigate the treacherous waters of the SEC, where every game matters and the competition is fiercer than ever.
