Undefeated Texas Faces Tough Road Test at Missouri to Open SEC Play COLUMBIA, Mo. (Interstat) — The No. 1-ranked and undefeated Texas Longhorns begin their Southeastern Conference women’s basketball schedule with a stern road challenge, facing the Missouri Tigers on Thursday at Mizzou Arena. Texas (15-0) enters conference play as one of the nation’s most dominant teams, averaging a 40.7-point margin of victory. Their most recent outing was a 120-38 demolition of Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday. The Longhorns’ resume includes a 66-64 win at then-South Carolina in November. Missouri (12-3) has been formidable at home and is coming off a 71-67 overtime win over Missouri-Kansas City. The Tigers’ three losses have come by a combined 15 points, including a 70-62 home defeat to Illinois on Dec. 10. A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top post players. Texas center Kyla Oldacre has been on a tear, averaging 14.4 points over her last seven games on efficient shooting. She scored 22 points in just 18 minutes in the win over Southeastern Louisiana. Missouri will counter with forward Chloe Sotell, who is averaging a double-double over her last three contests. She posted 23 points and six rebounds in the overtime win Sunday and recorded a 13-rebound, 11-point double-double against North Alabama on Dec. 21. “This is why we joined the SEC,” Texas coach Vic Schaefer said. “Every night is a battle, especially on the road. Missouri is tough, physical, and well-coached. We’ll need to be at our best.” Missouri coach Robin Pingeton acknowledged the challenge. “Texas is elite in every phase,” she said. “But our focus is on us, on protecting our home floor and playing with the grit that has defined our non-conference season.” The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST and will be televised on the SEC Network. Following this contest, Texas hosts Mississippi on Sunday, while Missouri travels to face Kentucky.