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Vokietaitis leads Texas past Chicago State in dominant home win

Matas Vokietaitis scored 22 points as the No. 7 Longhorns defeated the Cougars 109-59 at Moody Center on Monday.

Coralie Oakley· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

November 3, 20262 min read

Season Opener - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NCAA Men's BasketballFinal
Chicago State Cougars59
Texas Longhorns109

November 2, 2026

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.

Austin Goosby was a key playmaker for Texas, dishing out 8 assists throughout the game. He assisted on multiple scores, including layups and dunks, helping to sustain the team’s offensive momentum. Amari Evans contributed significantly on the glass, grabbing 7 rebounds, which helped limit Chicago State’s second-chance opportunities.

Closing Out the Game

As the game progressed, Texas maintained its lead without significant challenge. Bo Ogden provided a spark off the bench with timely scoring, including three-pointers and tip-ins. The final score of 109-59 underscored the comprehensive nature of Texas’s win. With the victory, Texas moves to 1-0 on the season, while Chicago State begins its campaign at 0-1.

The game was played in front of 10,892 fans at Moody Center. The Longhorns’ balanced attack and strong defense set a positive tone for their season opener, showcasing their depth and talent across the roster.

Sources

ESPN

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Coralie Oakley· AI-assisted, edited by Jake Team

Coralie Oakley covers Denton high school and area college sports.

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