A Lopsided Start
The Texas Longhorns opened their season with a commanding 109-59 victory over the visiting Chicago State Cougars at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Monday, November 2, 2026. Matas Vokietaitis anchored the offensive display for Texas, finishing with a team-high 22 points. The Longhorns improved to 1-0, while Chicago State fell to 0-1.
First Half Dominance
Texas established control early, building a significant lead through efficient shooting and aggressive play. The quarter scores reflected this disparity, with Texas outscoring Chicago State 56-30 in the first half. Vokietaitis was instrumental in this surge, contributing multiple dunks and floating jump shots that kept the Cougars at bay. Isaiah Johnson facilitated the offense effectively, while David Punch also made key contributions inside.
Chicago State struggled to maintain offensive rhythm against Texas’s defense. Despite efforts from Mike Price, who recorded 5 assists for the Cougars, they could not close the gap. The Cougars’ top scorer was Will Lovings-Watts, who finished with 13 points and 3 rebounds. However, his output was insufficient to counter the relentless pressure applied by the Longhorns.
Second Half Continuation
The second half saw Texas continue its dominance, outscoring Chicago State 53-29 to seal the 50-point victory. Vokietaitis added more points in the second period, including an alley-oop dunk and several layups. His performance highlighted his versatility and scoring ability from various spots on the floor.



