AUSTIN, Texas After dropping out of the AP Top 25 over the weekend, the Texas Longhorns returned to the Moody Center on Tuesday and dominated Chicago State, securing a 105-58 victory. The game was never in doubt as Texas jumped out to a commanding 12-0 lead to start the contest.
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Freshman guard Tre Johnson led the way for the Longhorns, scoring 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Despite committing two turnovers, Johnson again displayed his all-around game and helped pace Texas offensively. In addition to Johnson’s performance, five Longhorns scored in double figures. Senior forward Ze’Rik Onyema contributed 18 points, his highest total at Texas and just one shy of his career-high. Senior forward Arthur Kaluma added 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in an all-around effort.
Texas turned in an efficient performance, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. They also took 33 free-throw attempts, making 72.7 percent. The Longhorns capitalized on Chicago State’s mistakes, scoring 19 points off of 12 Cougar turnovers and 18 fast-break points. Defensively, Texas limited Chicago State to just 29.7 percent shooting, while the Cougars played without two injured starters.
From the opening tip, Texas established their intent to dominate in the paint. Senior forward Kadin Shedrick, who drew two quick fouls and made both free throws, was instrumental in the early push. Kaluma also found him for a dunk on Texas’ third possession, and the Longhorns kept attacking inside. Shedrick noted after the game, “We know we have a size advantage against Chicago State today, and we wanted to get a lot of paint touches.”
The early offensive execution was crisp. Junior guard Chendall Weaver hit a corner three assisted by Johnson, and after a Chicago State timeout, the Longhorns continued to execute well, building a 7-0 lead. Texas maintained control, with Johnson hitting another three and Kaluma contributing with a three-point play through contact.
Johnson’s all-around performance stood out, especially his defensive effort. Despite an uncharacteristic turnover, he responded with a crucial defensive play, hustling back down the court to force a missed shot and secure a rebound. Head coach Rodney Terry praised Johnson, saying, “He’s a competitor. He wants to win… he’s working on trying to be a complete player.”
By the under-12 timeout, Texas had extended the lead to 20-4, as they continued to play efficient basketball, committing no turnovers and forcing five turnovers from the Cougars. Senior forward Jayson Kent, who grabbed a defensive rebound, ignited a fast break that ended with a dunk from Kaluma, showcasing the Longhorns’ transition offense.
Texas entered halftime with a commanding 50-18 lead, having shot 52.9 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line. Chicago State struggled to find a rhythm offensively, shooting just 21.2 percent from the field in the first half.
The second half saw Texas continue to extend their lead. The biggest highlight was the season debut of sophomore forward Devon Pryor, who had missed the first two games due to an ankle injury. Texas also experimented with some zone defenses, maintaining intensity and going on a 17-2 run to put the game completely out of reach.
As the game wound down, several different lineups got playing time, including freshman forward Jamie Vinson, who played alongside Kent and Onyema. Texas finished strong, securing the 47-point victory.
The Longhorns will be back in action at the Moody Center on Saturday at 4 p.m. Central when they face Mississippi Valley State.