Longhorns cannot stay alongside of Tennessee, off to 0-2 get started within the SEC after 85-71 loss

Introduction

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team suffered a significant setback on January 6, 2026, falling to the Tennessee Volunteers 85-71 in Knoxville. This defeat marks a disappointing 0-2 start to their Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule, raising concerns about their ability to compete in one of college basketball’s toughest leagues. The game was particularly notable as it pitted the Longhorns against their former head coach, Rick Barnes, who led Texas for 17 seasons before taking over the Volunteers in 2015. The loss exposed several vulnerabilities in Texas’s roster and strategy, particularly on the defensive end and in handling the physicality of SEC play. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the game, including key statistics, player performances, and the broader implications for Texas’s season.

Key Points

Tennessee’s Offensive Explosion

The Volunteers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, particularly in the first half. Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie was the catalyst, scoring a game-high 22 points in the first 20 minutes alone. His aggressive drives to the basket and ability to draw fouls put the Longhorns’ defense in constant disarray. Gillespie finished the game with 35 points, demonstrating his status as one of the SEC’s premier scorers. Tennessee’s balanced attack saw four players score in double figures, with standout performances from Dalton Knecht (18 points) and Zakai Zeigler (15 points, 8 assists).

Matas Vokietaitis Fouls Out Early

One of the most significant factors in Texas’s loss was the early foul trouble experienced by starting center Matas Vokietaitis. Vokietaitis, a key interior presence for the Longhorns, picked up his third personal foul with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. This forced him to the bench and limited his playing time to just 14 minutes for the entire game. His absence on the defensive glass and in the paint was a major factor in Tennessee’s ability to dominate the interior and score 42 points in the paint.

Longhorns’ Shooting Struggles

Texas struggled to find their rhythm offensively, particularly from beyond the arc. The team shot a dismal 28% from three-point range, making just 7 of their 25 attempts. Leading scorer Tre Johnson was held to 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, a significant drop from his season average. The Longhorns also turned the ball over 14 times, leading to 18 points for Tennessee in transition. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their poor defensive execution ultimately sealed their fate.

SEC Transition Challenges

This loss underscores the challenges Texas faces in their first season competing in the SEC. The physicality, athleticism, and depth of the conference are significantly different from what they encountered in the Big 12. The Longhorns will need to adapt quickly if they hope to remain competitive in the league and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The coaching staff must address defensive lapses, improve offensive execution, and develop greater mental toughness to handle the rigors of SEC play.

Background

The 2025-2026 season marked Texas’s inaugural year in the SEC after a long and successful tenure in the Big 12 Conference. The move was part of a larger realignment in college athletics, with Texas and Oklahoma both joining the SEC in July 2025. The Longhorns entered the season with high expectations, boasting a talented roster led by freshman sensation Tre Johnson and a strong supporting cast. However, the transition to the SEC has proven more difficult than anticipated. Prior to the loss against Tennessee, Texas had already suffered a defeat to Kentucky, another SEC powerhouse, highlighting the steep learning curve they face in their new conference.

Rick Barnes, the architect of Texas’s success in the 2000s, has rebuilt the Tennessee program into a national contender. In his 11 seasons with the Volunteers, Barnes has led them to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and established them as a perennial top-10 team. His familiarity with the Texas program and his ability to prepare his team for this specific matchup gave Tennessee a distinct advantage. The Volunteers came into the game with a 12-2 record and ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll, making them a formidable opponent for any team, let alone one adjusting to a new conference.

Analysis

Defensive Breakdowns

Texas’s defensive performance against Tennessee was characterized by poor communication, lack of effort, and an inability to contain the Volunteers’ star players. Gillespie’s 35-point outburst was a direct result of the Longhorns’ failure to provide consistent defensive pressure and double-teams. The team also struggled to defend the pick-and-roll, a staple of Tennessee’s offensive playbook. The Volunteers consistently found open shooters and driving lanes, leading to high-percentage shots and easy baskets. The coaching staff must address these defensive breakdowns through film study, improved positioning, and increased intensity.

Offensive Inefficiency

On the offensive side, Texas failed to execute their game plan effectively. The team relied heavily on isolation plays for Johnson, which allowed Tennessee’s defense to collapse and force difficult shots. The Longhorns also failed to move the ball effectively, resulting in stagnant offensive possessions and poor shot selection. Their inability to stretch the floor with consistent three-point shooting made it easier for Tennessee to clog the paint and force Texas into contested shots. The coaching staff must find ways to create better offensive flow and involve more players in the scoring process.

Rebounding Disadvantage

Tennessee’s dominance on the boards was another key factor in their victory. The Volunteers outrebounded Texas 42-30, including a significant advantage on the offensive glass. This allowed them to generate second-chance points and extend possessions, putting additional pressure on the Longhorns’ defense. Texas’s inability to secure rebounds, particularly on the defensive end, was a major concern. The team must improve their rebounding effort and technique to be more competitive in the physical SEC.

Psychological Impact

The psychological impact of this loss cannot be underestimated. Starting 0-2 in the SEC is a significant setback for a team with NCAA Tournament aspirations. The loss may affect the team’s confidence and morale, particularly among the younger players. The coaching staff must work to maintain a positive team culture and keep the players focused on improvement rather than dwelling on the loss. The ability to bounce back from adversity will be crucial for Texas’s success in the remainder of the season.

Practical Advice

For Texas Fans

Remain patient and supportive of the team. The transition to the SEC is a significant challenge, and it will take time for the Longhorns to adjust. Focus on the positives, such as the talent and potential of the roster, and continue to attend games and show support. The team needs the energy and encouragement of their fans more than ever during this difficult period.

For Texas Players

Focus on improving defensive effort and communication. Pay attention to details such as positioning, help defense, and rebounding. Work on offensive execution by moving the ball more effectively and making smarter shot selections. Develop mental toughness and resilience to overcome adversity. Remember that every loss is an opportunity to learn and improve.

For Texas Coaches

Address defensive breakdowns through film study and practice drills. Implement strategies to contain Tennessee’s key players and improve pick-and-roll defense. Develop a more balanced offensive attack that involves more players and creates better shot opportunities. Work on rebounding technique and effort to gain an advantage on the boards. Maintain a positive team culture and keep players focused on improvement.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Texas Longhorns’ 85-71 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers was a sobering reminder of the challenges they face in their inaugural season in the SEC. The game exposed significant weaknesses in their defense, offensive execution, and rebounding, while also highlighting the impact of early foul trouble on their key players. However, it is important to remember that this is just one game in a long season. The Longhorns possess the talent and potential to be a successful team, but they must make significant improvements to compete at a high level in the SEC. The coaching staff must address the team’s deficiencies, and the players must respond with greater effort, discipline, and resilience. The road ahead will be difficult, but with hard work and determination, the Longhorns can still achieve their goals and make a strong impression in their new conference.