Texas Overcomes Early Deficit to Defeat Oklahoma 79-69

NORMAN, Okla — In a dominant second-half comeback, Texas secured a 79-69 victory over Oklahoma on Saturday, overcoming a 14-point deficit to extend its recent success against the Sooners.

The Longhorns fell behind early, trailing 23-9 with 9:38 remaining in the first half. Texas responded with a 10-2 run to tie the game at 30 before Oklahoma’s Xzayvier Brown knocked down a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left in the half, giving the Sooners a 33-30 lead at intermission.

Oklahoma stretched its advantage to 61-55 midway through the second half on another Brown three-point shot. Texas countered with a decisive 9-3 surge, highlighted by Simeon Wilcher’s 3-pointer and two more from Jordan Pope, to seize a 73-67 lead with 3:25 remaining. The Sooners’ Nijel Pack missed consecutive three-point attempts, allowing Dailyn Swain’s jumper with 1:32 left to push the Longhorns’ lead to 75-67. Texas closed out the game at the free-throw line.

Swain led Texas with 18 points while contributing 10 rebounds and six assists, continuing his all-around season performance. Matas Vokietaitis added 14 points, Camden Heide 13, Pope 12, and Wilcher 10. Oklahoma was paced by Pack, who scored 23 points including three three-pointers on 9-of-22 shooting. Brown and Derrion Reid each added 15 points for the Sooners.

The Longhorns (13-9, 4-5 Southeastern Conference) have now won nine of the last ten matchups with Oklahoma, including seven consecutive victories in Norman. This win strengthens Texas’ outlook in SEC play and positions the team for a key home matchup against South Carolina on Tuesday. Oklahoma (11-11, 1-8) will look to rebound against Kentucky on Wednesday.

The game highlighted Texas’ resilience and strategic adjustments after a slow start, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments. The Longhorns’ defensive adjustments in the second half limited Oklahoma’s efficiency, while timely shooting from Swain, Pope, and Wilcher turned the tide.

With this win, Texas continues to build momentum toward the latter half of SEC play, while Oklahoma faces a critical stretch to salvage its conference season.