Texas' big-time win over Kentucky should reenergize the Longhorn fanbase

The Texas men's basketball team desperately needed a win over an SEC opponent and the Longhorns delivered just that when they hosted the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats.

Unsurprisingly, freshman superstar Tre Johnson led the way for the Horns as they fought back from a four-point halftime deficit to defeat the Cats 82-78 and secure their fifth conference win of the season.

Johnson, who outscored every other person in the arena, contributed 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Senior guard Tramon Mark had a career night for Texas as well with 26 points, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

The game was a big-time, much-needed win for the Longhorns and head coach Rodney Terry as Texas had fallen to 4-8 in conference play when they entered the game against Kentucky. Now, at 16-10 overall, Texas sits at 11th in the SEC and the win knocked the Wildcats down to 6-6 in conference matchups.

Also read: 3 takeaways from Texas's vital win vs. No. 15 Kentucky

Terry, who is in his second season as Texas' head coach, has had an extremely difficult time finding his footing. Since officially taking grab of the reigns, Terry has led the Longhorns to just 37 wins but Texas did make a run to the Round of 32 in the 2024 March Madness tournament.

However, when Terry's name was called out by the announcer on Saturday night, the Horns crowd booed their own head coach. After the win, Terry was not deterred from leading his team to more victories, despite the lack of enthusiasm from its fans.

"There's a lot of basketball to be played," Terry said. "We're a one-day-at-a-time program. You can't worry where you are when you are on the bubble. That's for outside people."

And, to be completely honest, Terry is right. His job might not be 100 percent secure but the win over Kentucky should bring some hope back into the Texas fanbase, especially as the Horns enter a relatively easy stretch during their last five regular-season games.

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