Ole Miss
Texas
AUSTIN, Texas (02/06/2026) — The Ole Miss Rebels' offense struggled to find its rhythm on the road, leading to a 79-68 defeat at the hands of the Texas Longhorns at the Moody Center on Friday night.
How It Happened
The Longhorns established control of the game with superior shooting and a strong performance on the glass. Texas shot an efficient 53% from the field and 36% from three-point range, consistently finding quality looks against the Ole Miss defense. The Rebels, in contrast, managed only 41% from the floor and a cold 29% from beyond the arc. The battle for rebounds also tilted in favor of the home team, with the Longhorns securing a 36-27 advantage, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Rebels and extending their own possessions. While Ole Miss protected the ball well, committing only six turnovers, their inability to convert offensively proved to be the deciding factor.
Turning Point
The game's momentum firmly swung in favor of the Texas Longhorns due to their sustained offensive efficiency and dominance in rebounding. Unable to match the Longhorns' scoring pace, the Ole Miss Rebels found themselves playing from behind. The disparity on the boards was a significant factor, as Texas's ability to control the glass prevented the Rebels from getting the extra possessions they needed to close the gap. Every missed shot for Ole Miss became a potential transition opportunity for the Longhorns, who capitalized on their offensive flow throughout the contest.
Star of the Game
Matas Vokietaitis was the undeniable standout performer for the Texas Longhorns, leading all scorers with an impressive 27 points. His offensive output was the cornerstone of the Longhorns' victory, providing a consistent scoring threat that the Rebels could not contain. Dailyn Swain also delivered a crucial all-around performance for Texas, contributing nine rebounds and a team-high four assists, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
For the Ole Miss Rebels, Eduardo Klafke led the scoring effort with 14 points. Patton Pinkins was active on the glass, pulling down a team-best six rebounds, while Augusto Cassiá facilitated the offense with three assists.
What It Means
This non-conference loss for the Ole Miss Rebels highlights an area for improvement in offensive consistency, particularly in hostile road environments. The Rebels will look to regroup and find their shooting stroke as they continue their season. For the Texas Longhorns, this victory provides a solid non-conference win, demonstrating their offensive firepower and ability to control the game through strong rebounding. The performances of Vokietaitis and Swain will be a source of confidence for the Longhorns as they move forward.