Texas (6–3) faced Virginia (7–1) in Wednesday's late-night college basketball matchup, with the Cavaliers pulling away for an 88–69 win. Here’s my expert breakdown of the good, the bad, and the in-between for Texas basketball.
High marks for the night
Dailyn Swain led the Longhorns in all major statistical categories, scoring 15 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. His effort and consistency kept Texas competitive, even in a challenging matchup against a strong Virginia squad.
By the numbers
Virginia shot 53.8% from the field and 50% from three-point range, dominating key areas of the game. The Cavaliers collected 29 rebounds, created extra possessions, and added 18 assists, 4 blocks, and 5 steals, while committing only six turnovers.
Texas, meanwhile, shot only 40.7% from the floor and 21.1% from beyond the arc. The Longhorns grabbed 30 total rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, and scored 34 points in the paint. Despite some competitive stretches, Virginia’s execution proved more consistent and efficient.
Courtside report
This is the official Courtside Report, delivering expert insight into Texas basketball. The Longhorns continue to build their identity, and this game highlighted areas for growth.
Offensively, Texas had opportunities to attack the paint and find open teammates, though some shots were forced. Defensively, cutters occasionally scored too easily, and closeouts on three-point shooters weren’t tight enough. Forcing shooters to put the ball on the floor is crucial to disrupting momentum and regaining control throughout the game.
Final thoughts
Don’t let the score mislead you—Texas has the talent to compete on a national scale. Out-of-conference matchups like this reveal areas for improvement and growth. Stay tuned as the Longhorns work to refine their identity and chase big wins as the 2025/2026 season goes along.