Fourth-ranked Texas opened the season with a dominant performance, winning 119-47 against Southeast Missouri State University at the Moody Center.
Six Texas players scored in double figures, with junior forward Kaila Oldacre leading the way with 21 points, a career-high for the Miami transfer. In addition to scoring 21 points, Oldaker also set a career high in the rebounding department, clearing 14 boards off the glass.
“I have one job to do, and that’s number five (center). That’s what the coach wants me to do,” Oldaker said. “I felt like I did that today.”
The Longhorns’ 119 points total is the fifth most in program history and the most since Nov. 9, 2021, against New Orleans.
Head coach Vic Schaefer also made history on Sunday as he began his 40th year as coach and 20th year as head coach. The win was his 110th in Texas.
Schaefer said he was pleased with his players’ performance, but the team needs to work on its pressing and minimize turnovers. What he was most pleased about was the return of senior guard Lori Harmon to the court.
“It’s much better to sit on the floor than have her there and sit next to me,” Schaefer said.
Harmon received a warm welcome from the Moody Center crowd in his first competitive game since returning from a season-ending torn ACL in December 2023. She scored 10 points and played 20 minutes, forcing three turnovers. But for Harmon, today was about more than just statistics.
“I’m thankful that I’m tired, I’m thankful that I was able to shoot the ball and get some turnovers,” Harmon said. “Being coached, getting yelled at, whatever it was, I’m just grateful to be back.”
Harmon is one of three Texas players on Wood’s preseason watch list. The other two are sophomore forward Madison Booker and senior guard Laila Ferrier. Feria suffered a minor injury today, but was not fit for the match. Booker, on the other hand, did.
The season opener marked the 13th time in her college career that Booker played alongside Harmon, and she was all smiles.
“I’ll just say I’m the happiest,” Booker laughed. “I have to be on this team.”
Booker had 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, along with 11 rebounds and six assists.
Fans saw more than just the box score, they got a glimpse of this team’s potential this season. There were possessions where every player touched the ball, moments where Schaefer encouraged his players after strong defensive plays, and even moments where he showed creativity in the passing game.
“I coached that,” Schaefer said in the postgame press conference.
After a brief silence, the players began laughing and were soon joined by the media. Eventually, it became clear that Schaefer wasn’t actually in favor of fancy basketball, and the whole room started laughing. But the man, who was celebrating the start of his 40th year as a basketball coach, grinned when he saw the no-look pass happen.
“I was smiling when I saw those kids outside doing that today,” Schaefer said. “Because it’s fun and I know our fans enjoy it.”
Oldaker probably had the most fun in his debut, setting career highs in points and rebounds. Or maybe it was Booker reuniting with Harmon on the court. It could have been Schaefer celebrating his 20th season opener as head coach. Or even just Harmon saying, “I’m tired and grateful again.” One thing is for sure: Texas is ready to make a statement this season.
Texas State starts the season 1-0, while Southeast Missouri State falls to 0-2. The Longhorns will play their next game against Lamar on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Moody Center.
