Texas Longhorns Defeat Florida Gators in Commanding Victory

Gainesville, Florida, January 30, 2026

In a decisive matchup, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns overcame the Florida Gators with an 88-68 victory in Gainesville, led by Madison Booker’s impressive 24 points. The Longhorns dominated the game, particularly in the paint, with a significant 60-30 advantage in points scored inside. With this win, Texas improves its season record and looks ahead to a challenging game against No. 10 Oklahoma.

Gainesville, Florida

Madison Booker led No. 4 Texas to an 88-68 victory over Florida on Thursday night, scoring 24 points and contributing six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. The Longhorns dominated the paint, outscoring the Gators 60-30 inside. Aaliyah Crump added 14 points, including three 3-pointers, while Kyla Oldacre chipped in 12 points and six rebounds. Texas improved to 20-2, 5-2 in Southeastern Conference play, ending a two-game road losing streak. Florida fell to 13-10, 1-7 in the SEC.

Game Highlights

• First Quarter: Florida led 19-16 after the first period, with four 3-pointers contributing to their advantage.
• Second Quarter: Texas outscored Florida by 14, with Booker scoring eight points in the decisive frame.
• Third Quarter: Aaliyah Crump led the team with seven points, including two 3-pointers.
• Fourth Quarter: Texas opened with an 11-2 run, with Booker adding a steal and breakaway layup to extend the lead.

Notable Performances

• Laila Reynolds: Led Florida with 18 points.
• Me’Arah O’Neal: Contributed 17 points, playing in front of her father, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
• Liv McGill: Added 15 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists for the Gators.

Team Statistics

• Points in the Paint: Texas 60, Florida 30.
• Turnovers: Texas forced 21 Florida turnovers, leading to a 26-13 advantage in points off turnovers.
• Shooting Efficiency: Texas shot 37-of-66 (56.1%) from the field, marking the 10th time this season they have shot 50% or better.

Upcoming Games

• Texas: Hosts No. 10 Oklahoma on Sunday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m. CT at Moody Center. The game will be televised on ABC, with College GameDay live from Austin at 11:00 a.m. CT.
• Florida: Travels to No. 5 Vanderbilt on Sunday.

Additional Notes

• Rori Harmon: Recorded five assists, moving her career total to 883, surpassing the previous record of 776. She also tallied two steals, bringing her career total to 342, now five steals away from breaking the Texas all-time steals record.
• Team Depth: Eight players for Texas scored six or more points in the game.
• Head Coach Vic Schaefer: Achieved his 20th win of the season, marking the 13th consecutive season with 20 or more wins as a head coach.

Background

The game was attended by former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, father of Florida forward Me’Arah O’Neal. Shaquille O’Neal wore a purple sweatsuit with “Shaq” emblazoned on the front and sat in a roped-off section of media seats with several friends. He posed for pictures with fans at halftime.

Texas had its previous game at Arkansas postponed due to a winter storm, creating an 11-day break before this matchup. Despite the layoff, the Longhorns showed little rust, dominating the game from start to finish.

Florida, on the other hand, is facing a challenging stretch, having lost to No. 6 LSU earlier in the week and now facing No. 4 Texas. The Gators are set to play at fifth-ranked Vanderbilt in three days, marking a particularly tough period in their schedule.

The victory for Texas not only boosts their SEC standing but also serves as a statement of resilience and dominance, especially after the extended break. The team’s performance, particularly in the paint, underscores their physicality and depth, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.

Key Takeaways

• Dominant Inside Play: Texas’s 60-30 advantage in points in the paint highlights their superior size and strength.
• Balanced Scoring: Multiple players contributing double-digit points showcases the team’s offensive depth.
• Defensive Prowess: Forcing 21 turnovers and capitalizing on them demonstrates Texas’s defensive intensity.
• Resilience After Break: Overcoming an 11-day hiatus to deliver a commanding performance speaks to the team’s focus and preparation.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Texas’s ability to maintain this level of play will be crucial. The upcoming game against No. 10 Oklahoma presents another significant challenge, but with the momentum from this victory, the Longhorns are poised to continue their strong season. Florida, while facing a tough schedule, will need to regroup and find ways to leverage their strengths to improve their standing in the SEC.

Conclusion

Thursday night’s game in Gainesville was a testament to Texas’s dominance and resilience. With standout performances from key players and a collective team effort, the Longhorns have set a high standard for the remainder of the season. Florida, though facing adversity, has opportunities to learn and grow from these challenging matchups as they continue their campaign.