The Texas Longhorns didn’t just beat the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores-they made a statement.
In what was arguably their most complete performance of the season, Texas brought the kind of energy, execution, and physicality that coaches dream about and opponents dread. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Longhorns looked like a team coming into its own-and doing it at just the right time in SEC play.
Balanced, Disciplined, and Relentless
This wasn’t a game won by one hot hand or a lucky run. It was built on balance, discipline, and effort-three pillars that defined Texas’ performance.
Matas Vokietaitis set the tone early, pouring in 22 points and keeping the pressure on Vanderbilt’s defense all night. He wasn’t forcing shots-he was taking what the defense gave him and making them pay for it.
But the real edge came on the glass. Dailyn Swain and Chendall Weaver were relentless, each pulling down nine rebounds and giving Texas a clear physical advantage.
Swain, in particular, was everywhere-grabbing boards, initiating offense, and making smart reads. He finished with seven assists, keeping the ball moving and the offense flowing.
This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a team locked in, executing with purpose, and playing for each other.
Dailyn Swain: The Engine Behind It All
Swain’s stat line tells the story-14 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, and efficient shooting across the board (62.5% from the field, 80% from the line). But the numbers only scratch the surface.
Swain impacted every phase of the game. He was the glue guy, the connector, and the tone-setter.
These are the kinds of performances that don’t always make national headlines, but they win games-especially in conference play. Swain’s ability to contribute in so many ways is the kind of versatility that coaches lean on in tight matchups.
As the SEC schedule grinds on, keep an eye on him. He’s quietly becoming a difference-maker.
Box Score Breakdown: Texas Took Control
The numbers back up what the eye test told us-Texas dominated.
- Three-point shooting: Texas shot 41.2% from deep, while Vanderbilt managed 36%. The Longhorns didn’t just shoot well-they shot confidently, and that matters.
- Rebounding: Texas doubled up Vanderbilt on the boards, 40 to 20.
That’s not just hustle-it’s physical dominance.
- Points in the paint: Texas owned the interior, outscoring the Commodores 30-14. That’s a product of aggressive guard play, smart bigs, and a game plan that attacked the heart of Vanderbilt’s defense.
One of the most telling stats? Texas’ work on the defensive glass.
They limited second-chance opportunities and ended possessions with authority. That’s the kind of detail that turns good teams into great ones.
Game Flow: Attacking with Purpose
Texas’ guards were aggressive all night, constantly attacking downhill and putting Vanderbilt’s defense on its heels. That pressure forced rotations and opened up space for shooters and bigs alike. The pick-and-roll game was crisp, and the ball movement was purposeful.
Perhaps most encouraging was the confidence. Texas shooters weren’t hesitating-they were stepping into shots with conviction. That kind of trust in the offense and in each other is a sign of a team that believes in what it’s building.
This wasn’t just a solid win-it was a blueprint. When Texas combines interior pressure with confident spacing on the perimeter, they become a tough puzzle to solve.
Next Up: Rivalry Time
Now comes the real test. Texas heads into a rivalry clash against Texas A&M on Saturday, January 17 at 6:00 PM.
Expect fireworks. This one will bring all the intensity, physicality, and emotion you’d expect from two in-state rivals with something to prove.
The Longhorns are gaining momentum, and this matchup could be a defining moment in their SEC journey. If they bring the same balance, focus, and energy they showed against Vanderbilt, they won’t just be in the fight-they’ll be leading it.