Texas fans in Austin enjoyed a commanding performance on Monday night as the No. 7 Longhorns defeated Grambling State 93‑62. Freshman forward Matas Vokietaitis was the clear star, posting 26 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes of play.
Vokietaitis shines early in his college career
The 7‑foot junior was efficient from the floor, converting eight of his twelve field‑goal attempts and sinking ten of twelve free throws. His scoring outburst lifted Texas’ offensive average to 21.3 points per game, the highest on the roster.
Supporting Vokietaitis, reserve guard Joe Sterling added 13 points, while Marcus Spears Jr. contributed 12 off the bench. Elyjah Freeman chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, and senior David Punch rounded out the scoring with a double‑digit effort – 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Longhorns dominate inside and on the break
Texas asserted its physical advantage early, outscoring Grambling State 46‑18 in the paint and posting a perfect 14‑0 edge in fast‑break points. The Longhorns’ inside game was anchored by Vokietaitis, who drew the majority of the team’s field‑goal attempts.
Grambling State’s leading scorer, Mekhi Fitts, managed 13 points, while Antoine Shannon added 12. The Tigers struggled from beyond the arc, missing twelve of seventeen three‑point attempts in the first half.
Key moments and bench contributions
Sterling’s early foul trouble did not hinder his production; he scored all 13 of his points in the opening six minutes, also recording three assists and two steals while shooting 3‑of‑4 from three‑point range.
Another freshman, Bo Ogden, was 2‑of‑3 from long distance, helping Texas close the first half with a 55‑27 lead.
Looking ahead
After the decisive win, Texas prepares for a showdown with Baylor in San Antonio on Sunday, a game that could further solidify the Longhorns’ early‑season momentum. Grambling State, now 1‑1, will travel to face No. 24 Kentucky next Monday.
The victory underscores Texas’ balanced attack, strong interior play, and depth off the bench – qualities that bode well for the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
