Texas Longhorns dominated Rider Broncs Tuesday at Moody Center. The Longhorns built a commanding 44-28 halftime lead. Coach Sean Miller got exactly the offensive performance he wanted. Dailyn Swain led all scorers with 14 points in the first half.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Texas led 44-28 at halftime on Nov. 18, 2025.
- The Longhorns shot 53.6% from the floor in the half.
- Swain, Tramon Mark, and Jordan Pope led the first half attack.
- The game took place at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
- Texas plays Arizona State next in Hawaii on Nov. 24.
What Happened: Texas Explodes in First Half
Texas came out firing against Rider. The Longhorns made their first five shots. They led 17-4 just minutes into the game. Cam Heide and Jordan Pope drained early three-pointers. Sean Miller wanted better shooting after last game. He definitely got it.
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By the 7:17 mark, Texas extended to 27-16. Chendall Weaver impressed fans with aggressive play. The bench forward drew charges and grabbed key rebounds. Dailyn Swain hunted his shot all night.
“Sean Miller wants to see better shooting, and he’s getting it.”
The Longhorns made 6-of-7 early shots.
The Broncs made a run. Rider reled off 8 straight points. But Texas had too much firepower. At halftime, the Longhorns led comfortably at 44-28. Matas Vokietaitis off the bench had 10 points in just 8 minutes played.
Why This Matters: Tuneup Before Hawaii
Texas needed this offensive explosion before heading to Hawaii. Last week against Kansas City, they shot poorly from three. The Longhorns were just 4-of-22 from deep. Coach Miller had stressed better shooting this week.
The Maui Invitational awaits the Longhorns starting November 24. First-year coach Miller brings big-time opponents to Hawaii. Arizona State, strong mid-season tournaments, and championship-level pressure.
This game matters because Texas proved it can execute. 53.6% shooting from the floor shows growth. The team moved the ball well. Bench players stepped up huge. That’s exactly what Miller wants heading into tougher competition.
The Details: Shooting Dominance and Bench Production
Texas shot lights out in the first half. Check out this breakdown:
| Stat | Texas | Rider |
| Field Goal % | 53.6% | 35% (approx) |
| Three-Point Attempts | 4-of-14 | Multiple |
| Free Throws | 10-of-14 | Limited |
| Two-Point Baskets | 11-of-14 | Lower |
| Halftime Score | 44 | 28 |
The Longhorns dominated the paint. They shot a remarkable 11-of-14 from two. Swain and Heide got easy looks inside. The offense flowed through Vokietaitis down low. He set screens and created opportunities.
Free throws matter too. Texas went 10-of-14 from the line. That’s 71.4% efficiency. Bench depth showed up big. Matas Vokietaitis played 8 minutes with 10 points. Chendall Weaver provided energy and defense. Cam Heide started because Nic Codie was out with a groin injury.
What To Watch For: Next Challenge in Maui
- Texas faces Arizona State on Monday, November 24 at 10:30 p.m. CT.
- The Maui Invitational brings elite tournament competition.
- Sean Miller will face Mid-American teams and mid-major threats.
- Sustainability of offensive efficiency. Can Texas maintain it?
- Bench players must continue stepping up for depth.
Can Texas Keep the Momentum Rolling in Hawaii?
The Longhorns showed they can execute under Miller tonight. 44 points in a half demonstrates offensive firepower. But the real test comes in Hawaii. Arizona State, deep tournament play, and big stages await.
Texas‘s 3-1 record shows promise early. The Longhorns must prove this performance wasn’t a one-game wonder. Elite programs maintain consistency. Will Sean Miller‘s squad keep playing this way?
You’ll get your answer starting November 24 in Hawaii. The Maui Invitational doesn’t feature cupcake opponents. Texas needs to bring this same energy against Arizona State. The question isn’t whether they can beat Rider — it’s whether they belong with elite programs nationally.
Sources
- Austin American-Statesman – Live game updates and officialscore tracking
- Texas Longhorns Athletics – Official schedule and statistics
- SEC Network – Television coverage and broadcast information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.