Texas Longhorns Rally Past Ole Miss, Chris Beard in 79-68 Win

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns secured a 79-68 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday at the Moody Center, fueled by a dominant late-game run. After relinquishing an 18-point first-half lead, Texas closed the game with a 14-0 surge over the final 2:43, overcoming a resilient Ole Miss squad and a familiar face on the opposing bench – former head coach Chris Beard.

A Tale of Two Halves

The game was marked by significant shifts in momentum. Texas initially built a substantial lead, only to see it dwindle due to struggles closing the first half and starting the second. Ole Miss capitalized on these lapses, but ultimately faltered down the stretch, missing their last seven shot attempts as Texas found its rhythm.

Vokietaitis Leads the Charge

Sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis spearheaded the Longhorns’ attack, delivering a standout performance with 27 points and seven rebounds. He shot efficiently, going 9-of-11 from the field and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, falling just one point short of his career high. Graduate guard Tramon Mark contributed 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while senior guard Jordan Pope added 13 points, including eight crucial points in the final 5:27 of the game.

Did You Know? Texas outscored Ole Miss 32-16 in points in the paint, demonstrating their dominance in close-range scoring.

Dominating the Paint and Second Chances

Texas’s victory was built on its ability to control the paint and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Longhorns amassed a 32-16 advantage in points in the paint and a 20-9 edge in second-chance points. Despite a quieter performance from junior wing Dailyn Swain, who had seven points and four turnovers, his nine rebounds and four assists helped contribute to the team’s overall effort.

Early Dominance and Ole Miss Response

The Longhorns quickly established control early in the game, fueled by Vokietaitis’s strong interior presence and efficient free-throw shooting. After an early three-pointer from Ole Miss forward Augusto Cassia, Vokietaitis responded with a series of strong plays, drawing fouls and converting opportunities. Texas extended its lead to as many as 22 points in the first half, capitalizing on Ole Miss’s early shooting struggles – just 3-of-16 attempts at one point.

Second-Half Battle and Final Push

Ole Miss mounted a significant comeback in the second half, briefly taking the lead after a hot shooting stretch. However, Texas responded with resilience, regaining the lead through a combination of strong individual performances and key defensive stops. The game remained tightly contested until the final minutes, when Texas’s late-game surge sealed the victory.

Expert Insight: The Longhorns’ ability to regain control after Ole Miss’s second-half surge highlights their resilience and capacity to execute under pressure, a crucial trait as they navigate a competitive SEC schedule.

Looking Ahead

Texas’s win marks their third consecutive SEC victory. The team is now poised to continue their conference schedule. A possible next step for the Longhorns is to maintain this momentum as they head back on the road. They are scheduled to face Missouri next Saturday, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. Central on ESPN or ESPN2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was Texas 79, Ole Miss 68.

Who led the Texas Longhorns in scoring?

Matas Vokietaitis led the Longhorns with 27 points.

How did Ole Miss perform in the second half?

Ole Miss started the second half with a strong shooting performance, briefly taking the lead, but ultimately faltered in the final minutes, missing their last seven shots.

With this victory, what does this say about the Longhorns’ ability to close out games against tough competition?