Last recruiting season, Texas went all in on guard Aaliyah Chavez, a top recruit in the 2025 class. The Longhorns pushed hard, hoping the Texas native would find a home in Austin, and for a while, many thought it was a done deal.
Instead, Chavez shocked much of the women’s basketball world by heading north of the Red River and committing to Oklahoma.
That decision lingered when Chavez walked into the Moody Center on Sunday. Longhorn fans made their feelings of resentment clear, booing her during introductions before Texas secured its 21st win of the season, a 78-70 victory over the Sooners.
Chavez and Oklahoma entered the matchup with plenty of momentum. Chavez has averaged 18.9 points per game and has emerged as a favorite for Freshman of the Year, while the Sooners are ranked in the top 10 after a marquee win over South Carolina.
The intense rivalry, Chavez’s return to her home state and the comparison between the two Aaliyahs — Chavez and Texas freshman guard Aaliyah Crump — dominated the headlines coming into the game. But it was Texas sophomore forward Justice Carlton who stole the show.
Carlton has flashed her potential throughout the season. In Sunday’s game, she proved just how much this team needs her. She finished with 16 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes, playing with a confidence that changed the game.
Carlton can shoot from beyond the arc, but it’s her versatility within both sides of the ball that separates her.
“I don’t think anybody can handle what Justice can bring to the table,” fifth-year guard Rori Harmon said. “I haven’t seen anybody do that yet. It’s really just up to her to come and show up that day, and she did today. I’m super proud of her. I could see the look in her eyes. I wanted her to have the ball in a lot of situations. I’ve seen her grow in maturity, and she’s such a patient player … and she’s only a sophomore, so I’m really excited for her future and how great she’s going to be.”
Head coach Vic Schaefer recruited Carlton because he believed she was one of the toughest and most physical high school players he had ever seen — a trait he always seeks out. After working her way back from a knee injury and finally feeling healthy, Carlton is starting to find consistency and make an impact.
Perimeter shooting has historically been a weakness for Texas’ offense and is something the team is often criticized for. But Crump, Carlton and sophomore guard Jordan Lee quickly silenced doubts. The trio combined for 42 points, and each knocked down a three-pointer. Five Longhorns scored in double figures, a sign that Schaefer’s team is beginning to unlock its depth.
The same tune rang true once again: shooting mattered, but defense won Texas the game.
Relentless from the opening tip, Texas knocked Oklahoma out of rhythm for most of the afternoon. The Longhorns forced rushed possessions, contested shots and 21 turnovers overall. Schaefer could not have asked for a more complete defensive performance in the first half.
For the team, it starts with fifth-year point guard Rori Harmon. Her experience and intensity set the tone for the rest of the Longhorns.
“I think they asked me after the game, ‘how was our defense so effective this game in the first half,’ and it starts with Rori Harmon,” junior forward Madison Booker said. “She’s our engine. I mean, when you see her go hard, we all go hard. I think we’re so much better on that end, when she’s at her best.”
Texas opens a five-game stretch against ranked opponents with a statement win, one that could provide valuable momentum heading into a rematch with LSU on Thursday in Austin.