After a series of inconsistent performances during the non-conference schedule, the Texas Longhorns are facing similar challenges as they begin their SEC season. In a thrilling overtime showdown against Mississippi State, the Longhorns were unable to close out the game despite a standout performance from Dailyn Swain.

Swain put on a clinic, scoring a career-high 34 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. However, it wasn’t enough as Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard delivered a heroic effort with 38 points, leading the Bulldogs to a 101-98 victory in Austin on Saturday night.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams trading leads multiple times. Texas held an 86-79 advantage with just 1:42 remaining in regulation before Mississippi State mounted a late 7-0 run to force overtime. The Longhorns were left without Swain in the extra session after he fouled out in the final minute of regulation.

A Game of Missed Opportunities

Like their previous loss to Arizona State in Maui, missed free throws and an inability to finish off a lead ultimately cost Texas the game. The defeat could have lasting implications for the team as they look to establish themselves in the SEC.

Hubbard started strong for the Bulldogs, hitting two routine three-pointers to give Mississippi State an early 7-4 lead. Swain quickly responded with his own three-pointer, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle. Simeon Wilcher then found Vokietaitis for an alley-oop, giving Texas a 12-11 lead.

A quick 5-0 run, highlighted by a triple from Jordan Pope, put Texas ahead 21-18. However, the Bulldogs answered with a 9-0 run that gave them a 27-21 lead at the 7:59 mark of the first half. Despite a 7-0 run from Texas later in the half, which included another three-pointer from Swain and a corner three from Wilcher, Mississippi State maintained its lead.

Hubbard ended Texas’ momentum with another three-pointer, and by halftime, Swain had 18 points and eight rebounds, while Hubbard had 20 points for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State led 48-43 at the break.

Vokietaitis scored five quick points to start the second half, but Mississippi State remained in control. Texas managed to take the lead briefly when Weaver hit a corner three-pointer at the 8:57 mark. Swain followed up with an and-one after a fast-break layup, and Vokietaitis added a powerful poster over the defense.

However, Hubbard silenced the crowd with another contested three-pointer, and Epps added one of his own to tie the game at 73-73 before the under-6 timeout. Swain hit three straight free throws and then slammed down an alley-oop in transition from Pope, giving the Longhorns an 80-76 lead.

After a few questionable foul calls against Texas, Swain responded with a tough and-one to give the Longhorns an 86-79 advantage. But he fouled out shortly after, and Hubbard answered with a massive three-pointer to cut the lead to 86-84 with a minute to play.

Bradon Walker tied the game with an offensive rebound and a layup with 17 seconds left. Pope missed the potential game-winner at the other end, sending the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the Bulldogs took control quickly, building a 93-88 lead behind Hubbard and Epps. Mark provided a spark for Texas with a three-pointer, followed by a steal and fast-break layup. However, he missed two crucial free throws in the final 31 seconds of overtime, including one that would have tied the game at 99.

The Longhorns will now head on the road to face No. 19 Tennessee on Tuesday. This loss adds to a growing list of close defeats, raising questions about the team’s ability to close out games when it matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Swain’s Performance: Dailyn Swain delivered a career-high 34 points and 14 rebounds, but his absence in overtime proved costly.
• Hubbard’s Heroics: Josh Hubbard’s 38-point performance was the difference in the game, showcasing his ability to carry his team in high-pressure moments.
• Missed Free Throws: Texas struggled at the free-throw line, which ultimately cost them the game.
• Late Collapse: The Longhorns’ inability to close out the game once again came back to haunt them, echoing past losses like the one against Arizona State.

As the Longhorns continue their SEC journey, they will need to find a way to maintain composure in critical moments if they hope to compete with the top teams in the conference.