OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Texas guard Ariel Atkins opened the Big 12 Tournament with one of the most productive games of her decorated career. The senior scored a season-high 25 points to help seventh-ranked Longhorns beat Iowa State 81-69 on Saturday in the quarterfinals. The all-conference pick made 5 of 6 3-pointers and finished one point short of her career high.
The Longhorns shot 55.2 percent from the field to claim their third victory over the Cyclones this season. Emily Durr and Bridget Carleton each scored 25 points for the Cyclones (14-17). Durr, a senior, fell just two points short of her career high.Carleton scored 14 points in the first half for Iowa State, but her teammates shot 5 for 20.
The Cyclones improved late in the season, winning five of eight before Saturday’s game, and they hung tight for much of this one. Durr is the only senior starter, so chances are good that the team will improve next season. Iowa State’s season likely is over.