Vokietaitis Leads No. 7 Texas Past Chicago State in Opener

A Dominant Start in Austin

The No. 7 Texas Longhorns asserted their early-season dominance on Monday, November 2, 2026, defeating the Chicago State Cougars 109-59 in front of a crowd of 10,892 at Moody Center. The home team controlled the tempo from the opening tip, building a substantial lead that was never threatened. Matas Vokietaitis was the offensive engine for Texas, finishing the contest with a team-high 22 points. His scoring efficiency was matched by Austin Goosby, who facilitated the offense with eight assists, while Amari Evans anchored the glass with seven rebounds.

First Half Momentum

Texas established a commanding lead during the first half, outscoring the visitors 56-30. The Longhorns’ balanced attack was evident in the scoring plays, with Vokietaitis contributing multiple dunks and jump shots. Chicago State’s Will Lovings-Watts attempted to keep the Cougars competitive, but the gap widened rapidly as Texas converted high-percentage shots. By the end of the first half, the margin was already large enough to dictate the rest of the game’s rhythm. The home team’s ability to finish at the rim and hit from beyond the arc created a scoring disparity that Chicago State could not bridge.

Second Half Control

The second half saw Texas maintain its offensive pressure, adding 53 points to extend the lead. Vokietaitis continued to score efficiently, including alley-oop dunks and free throws, while Goosby’s playmaking kept the Texas offense flowing. Chicago State managed to score 29 points in the second half, with Will Lovings-Watts finishing the game with 13 points and three rebounds. Mike Price also contributed to the Cougars' offense, recording five assists. However, the defensive intensity and offensive execution of the Longhorns ensured that Chicago State could not close the distance. The final two minutes were largely ceremonial, as the outcome had been determined well before the buzzer.

Season Opener Results

With the win, the Texas Longhorns improved to 1-0 on the season, marking a strong start to their campaign. The Chicago State Cougars dropped to 0-1 after the loss. The performance at Moody Center highlighted Texas’s depth and versatility, setting a high baseline for the remainder of the season. The team’s ability to execute in both halves demonstrated a cohesive unit ready for upcoming challenges.

Sources

ESPN