Texas Longhorns Dominate Northwestern State with 77-53 Victory

Austin, Texas – A Strong Performance by the Longhorns!

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Texas Longhorns basketball team put on an impressive show, defeating the Northwestern State Demons with a resounding score of 77-53 at the Moody Center. The game was not only a testament to the team’s skills but also highlighted some fantastic individual performances.

Tre Johnson Shines Bright

Freshman guard Tre Johnson stole the spotlight with a team-high of 18 points in just 22 minutes of play. After missing the previous two games due to a right hip injury, Johnson was eager to make a comeback and he did so with remarkable flair. He hit 7-of-11 shots from the floor, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Johnson also tied his season high with four assists and grabbed four rebounds, showcasing his all-around game.

Strong Contributions from Teammates

Junior Jordan Pope also contributed to the victory, adding 11 points to the scoreboard with 3-of-8 shooting from three-point territory. Senior Arthur Kaluma made a significant impact on the boards, recording a game-high of 13 rebounds, alongside five points and two blocks. His defensive presence was critical in keeping Northwestern State at bay.

Moreover, it was a joyful return for graduate Jayson Kent, who had been sidelined for eight games with a right wrist injury. In his first game back, he scored nine points while hitting 3-of-4 field goals and both of his free throws. His free throw in the second half was particularly notable as it pushed him over the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career, adding another milestone to his journey.

The Game’s Flow

From the get-go, Texas took control of the game, swiftly building an early lead. They jumped out with an 8-0 run, punctuated by a three-pointer from Tramon Mark. Even after a brief pushback from the Demons, the Longhorns consistently widened the gap, thanks in part to a strong offensive display.

By the half, Texas had established a commanding lead of 41-22. They managed to stifle Northwestern State’s offense, limiting them to just 38.2% shooting from the field. The Longhorns also excelled in rebounding, finishing with a 42-26 margin, which underscored their dominance on both ends of the court.

Second Half and Looking Ahead

The second half continued in similar fashion, with Texas scoring the first eight points, further extending their lead to <49-22. The Longhorns’ lead ballooned to as much as 30 points after a thrilling dunk by Chendall Weaver midway through the half. Despite the Demons’ effort to close the gap, they never got within 21 points for the remainder of the contest.

With this win, Texas improved to an impressive 11-2 before entering into their Southeastern Conference play. Their next challenge awaits at No. 13 Texas A&M on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The match is set to tip off at 7 p.m. Central and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. The excitement is palpable as Longhorn fans look forward to seeing how their team will perform moving forward!

As always, the atmosphere at the Moody Center was electric with **10,565** fans in attendance cheering every basket and defensive stand. It was a fantastic day for Texas basketball and a strong foundation as they head into conference play.