Texas Heads to Rupp Arena for Rare Showdown with Kentucky
After a gritty loss to Texas A&M over the weekend, Texas basketball (11-7, 2-3 SEC) is back on the road and looking to bounce back in a big way. The Longhorns head to Lexington for a marquee matchup against Kentucky (12-6, 3-2 SEC), a program that needs no introduction. With 2,436 wins and eight national championships to its name, Kentucky remains one of college basketball’s true bluebloods-and playing at Rupp Arena only adds to the challenge.
This will be just the fourth time these two programs have met on the hardwood, and the first time Texas has traveled to Lexington since the 2014-15 season. Kentucky holds a 2-1 edge in the all-time series, but Texas took the most recent meeting in Austin last season, 82-78. Now, the Longhorns are looking to even the series and grab a crucial road win in the heart of SEC play.
Kentucky’s Long-Range Threat Looms Large
If Texas wants to steal one at Rupp, it starts on the perimeter. Kentucky comes into the game leading the SEC in three-point shooting during conference play, knocking down an impressive 38.5% from beyond the arc.
That shooting was on full display in their dramatic 80-78 win over Tennessee last Saturday, where they hit 11 of 24 from deep. The Wildcats’ ability to stretch the floor and punish defensive lapses makes them a dangerous offensive unit, especially at home.
Texas will need to tighten the screws defensively on the outside. Slowing down Kentucky’s shooters could be the difference between a statement win and another frustrating conference loss.
Early Action: A Tight Start in Lexington
The game tipped off with both teams trading punches early. Texas forward Matas Vokietaitis got things going with a second-chance bucket just seconds into the game, giving the Longhorns an early 2-0 lead. That kind of physical presence on the glass will be key for Texas as they try to control tempo and limit Kentucky’s transition game.
At the first media timeout, Kentucky held a narrow 7-6 lead. Dailyn Swain powered through contact for an and-one finish, giving Texas a chance to tie it up when play resumes. It’s been a back-and-forth start-exactly what you'd expect in a matchup with this much talent on the floor.
Starting Lineups: Talent Across the Board
Here’s a look at the starting fives for both teams:
Texas Longhorns
- G Jordan Pope - 13.2 points, 2.4 assists per game
- G Tramon Mark - 13.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists
- F Camden Heide - 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds
- F Dailyn Swain - 15.7 points, 7.2 rebounds
- P Matas Vokietaitis - 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds
Kentucky Wildcats
- G Otega Oweh - 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds
- G Denzel Aberdeen - 12.2 points, 3.2 assists
- G Cam Williams - 6.8 points, 2.6 rebounds
- F Andrija Jelavic - 5.8 points, 3.9 assists
- C Malachi Moreno - 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds
This is a matchup loaded with scoring threats and athleticism on both sides. For Texas, the frontcourt duo of Swain and Vokietaitis has been the engine all season, and they’ll need to be at their best against Kentucky’s size and depth.
How to Watch
- When: Wednesday, 6 p.m. ET
- Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.
- TV/Radio: SEC Network; 1300 AM, 98.1 FM
This is a big one for both teams. For Texas, it’s a chance to prove they can win in one of college basketball’s toughest environments.
For Kentucky, it’s about building momentum and defending home court. Either way, expect a battle.