Texas Basketball Triumphs in Hawaii
In an electric game at the Lahaina Civic Center, Texas (6-2) edged out No. 23 NC State (5-2) with a thrilling 102-97 victory during the Southwest Maui Invitational. Senior guard Jordan Pope led the way, scoring 28 points and marking the team’s first win against a ranked opponent since Sean Miller took over as head coach.
Pope was not alone in the spotlight. Six Longhorn players made significant contributions, showcasing a balanced attack. Chendall Weaver tallied 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Dailyn Swain added 14 points along with seven assists, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Texas’s offensive strategy was evident throughout the game. They shot an impressive 55.8% from the field and excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their three-point attempts. This performance was a significant achievement, marking the first time since the 2009-2010 season that the Longhorns scored over 100 points in back-to-back games.
The game saw NC State initially take an 8-3 lead, but Texas quickly shifted momentum, going on an 8-2 run. The Longhorns built a 47-37 lead by halftime, only to see NC State make a strong comeback in the second half. The Wolf Pack’s rally put them ahead 71-70 before Texas reclaimed control with a critical 10-0 run late in the game.
Statistically, the Longhorns were dominant in assists and fast breaks, outscoring NC State 24-7 in fast-break points. Additionally, bench players provided a crucial spark, helping Texas maintain a 31-11 advantage in bench scoring.
Expert insights indicate that this performance could signal a turning point for Texas. Former collegiate coach Tim O’Brien remarked, “Winning against ranked teams gives players and coaches alike a confidence boost. This can set the tone for the rest of the season.”
Beyond the numbers and strategies, fans shared their excitement on social media. Trending hashtags like #HookEm and #Longhorns highlighted the passionate support from Texas fans, illustrating a renewed hope for the team’s potential this season.
Looking ahead, Texas will face Virginia in the ACC/SEC Challenge. As they aim to build on this momentum, fans will be eager to see if the Longhorns can continue their high-scoring ways and solidify their status in college basketball.
For further details on the statistics from the game, you can explore the NCAA Basketball stats page here.
