Let the good times roll-especially if you're the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. While Mardi Gras festivities filled the streets of Louisiana, the Longhorns were busy securing their fifth consecutive Southeastern Conference win, edging out LSU 88-85 at the Moody Center.
Texas head coach Sean Miller acknowledged the team's resilience, saying, "We can do better. Our defense in the second half took a heck of a punch."
The Longhorns dominated the first half, thanks to the dynamic trio of Dailyn Swain, Jordan Pope, and Tramon Mark. Each hit double digits, propelling Texas to a comfortable 48-33 halftime lead. However, memories of their SEC opener against Mississippi State lingered as LSU mounted a comeback.
LSU's offense came alive in the second half, erasing the 15-point deficit. Max Mackinnon led the charge for the Tigers, scoring 21 points and making it a nail-biter in the closing minutes.
Mark reflected on the game, stating, "Everything was clicking in the first half. It was a great half.
I wish it could have translated to the second half." Despite the defensive lapses, Texas managed to secure crucial stops when it mattered most.
Swain, usually a key player, found himself in foul trouble early and played only 21 minutes. Yet, he still managed to lead the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds, earning a double-double.
Miller praised the team's depth, highlighting Mark's standout performance: "We really had some guys step up. This was one of Tramon Mark’s best games of the season."
With Swain limited, Mark and Pope stepped up, combining for 36 points. Meanwhile, sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis continued to shine in the absence of Lassina Traore, recording his second consecutive double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Longhorns demonstrated grit and depth, showing they can weather the storm even when key players face challenges. As they continue their SEC journey, this win serves as a testament to their resilience and potential.