Texas women’s basketball senior forward Breya Cunningham was nearly automatic in the paint against UCLA.
Cunningham went 6-7 from the field, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds in the No. 6 Longhorns’ 81-64 exhibition win over the defending national champions Sunday. Cunningham helped Texas establish an inside presence early, one that also helped her team go on a 12-0 third-quarter run that gave the Longhorns control of the game.
“This year, I’m going to have to step up more for my team,” Cunningham said. “Playing a really good, well-coached team with really good players this early and seeing the efficiency I can bring for my team this early, it builds a lot of confidence.”
Cunningham was one of three Longhorns to carry the offensive load Sunday. Junior guard Bryanna Preston scored 20 points while shooting 8-12 from the field, and senior forward Madison Booker led Texas with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The trio combined for 57 of Texas’ 81 points, accounting for 70% of the team’s scoring.
While Booker and Preston provided scoring from the perimeter and midrange, Cunningham gave Texas a reliable option closer to the basket. The Longhorns scored 34 points in the paint and shot 50.8% from the field, using their offensive balance to outscore UCLA in three of the four quarters.
Head coach Vic Schaefer pointed to the team’s execution in getting Cunningham into favorable positions.
“Our inside game was really good with Breya,” Schaefer said. “(I) thought we did a good job executing, getting the four-turn, and getting her in some good situations down there.”
The inside production is one part of what Texas expects from Cunningham this season. Schaefer also emphasized the responsibility experienced players have in setting an example, especially for this young roster. He wants to see leadership from the three veterans by demonstrating consistency and what it takes to compete at a high level.
“I do think that these three have a responsibility and they’ve got to show up every day,” Schaefer said. “They’ve got to show our younger kids what it looks like to be a pro.”
Cunningham’s performance also earned recognition from the opposing sideline. UCLA head coach Cori Close praised her development, particularly after a previous season in which foul trouble frequently limited her ability to stay on the floor.
“I’ve got to give it to Breya Cunningham,” Close said. “She was probably one of the post players that got in foul trouble more than anyone else last year, and to watch her growth, credit to her, I think she played great.”
Against UCLA, Cunningham finished with four fouls in 32 minutes, so it remains an area to monitor. Against UConn, she fouled out with nearly seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. But she was an asset on the court Sunday, committing zero turnovers.
For Texas, the next step is turning that efficiency into a consistent part of its offense. Cunningham has already shown she can perform against top competition. If she continues to produce while staying on the floor, she could be another dependable scoring threat alongside Booker and Preston.
