In a captivating match at the Moody Center, the University of Texas was unable to secure a victory in an overtime defeat to the formidable No. 4 Houston team. The Longhorns demonstrated their ability to compete at an elite level, but they must now prove themselves in the highly competitive Big 12 conference to remain in contention for the national title.
Both teams exhibited commendable resilience in a dramatic second half, culminating in Houston seizing the advantage during overtime. Regrettably for Texas, they only managed to convert one field goal out of six attempts in the crucial extra period, resulting in a 76-72 loss.
Max Abmas and Dillon Mitchell showcased their talents for Texas, with Abmas leading the team with 20 points and Mitchell achieving his seventh double-double of the season by contributing 16 points and 10 rebounds. On the opposing side, Jamal Shead, a local standout and graduate of Manor, delivered an exceptional performance for Houston, leading all players with 25 points.
The visiting Houston team, boasting a record of 19-2 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12, implemented a suffocating man-to-man defence against the Longhorns, who struggled to find their shooting rhythm. Texas only managed to connect on 35.5% of their shots in the first half, resulting in a deficit of 33-25 at halftime. Additionally, the usual scoring prowess of Abmas and Disu was contained, as the pair combined for just seven points in the first half.
Nonetheless, the Longhorns staged a remarkable comeback after the intermission, with Mitchell leading a spirited surge that saw Texas take a 48-46 lead with 10:26 remaining in the game. The lead changed hands multiple times in the closing minutes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, Texas managed to shoot 43.3% against Houston’s formidable defence, representing the highest point total allowed by the powerhouse team all season. The intensity of the Big 12 conference was underscored by the fact that a total of eight teams from the conference were ranked in the latest Associated Press poll, including No. 25 TCU, which will be Texas’ next opponent on Saturday.
This match demonstrated that Texas possesses the talent to compete at the highest level and mount a serious challenge in the Big 12, laying the groundwork for an exciting future for the Longhorns basketball team.