In a thrilling showdown at Stegeman Coliseum, Texas men’s basketball saw its five-game winning streak snapped by a Georgia team eager to make a statement to the NCAA tournament committee. Despite a spirited second-half effort, the Longhorns fell short, losing 91-80 to the Bulldogs.
The game was a tale of two halves for Texas. Trailing by as much as 18 in the first half, the Longhorns clawed their way back to tie the game at 67 with less than eight minutes remaining. Sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis was instrumental in the comeback, showcasing his skills with 22 points, including a stellar 6-8 from the field and 3-5 from the line.
Junior forward Dailyn Swain also shone brightly, contributing 21 points on 6-11 shooting and a flawless 8-8 from the charity stripe. He led the team with six rebounds, adding to Texas' offensive push. Senior guard Jordan Pope chipped in with 17 points, but the Longhorns’ defense struggled to contain Georgia’s relentless attack.
This was a rematch with a twist. After a dominant 20-point victory over Georgia at the Moody Center in January, Texas faced a rejuvenated Bulldogs squad that had clearly learned from their previous encounter. Georgia's defense was stifling, constantly double-teaming Texas' ball handlers and forcing them into tough shots.
The Bulldogs burst out to a commanding 31-13 lead in the first half, capitalizing on their defensive intensity. Texas managed to breathe new life into the game with consecutive three-pointers from Pope and junior guard Simeon Wilcher, leveling the score and reigniting hope for the Longhorns.
However, Georgia regained control, exploiting Texas’ defensive lapses to pull away once more. The Bulldogs closed out the game with an impressive 10-13 shooting stretch, making it difficult for Texas to mount another comeback.
Vokietaitis tried to keep the Longhorns within striking distance, but Georgia’s late-game precision sealed their fate. Now, Texas looks ahead to their next challenge, a home game against the No.
12 Florida Gators at the Moody Center on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Longhorns will aim to regroup and defend their home court against another formidable opponent.