Chicago State Falls 109-59 in Austin Opener

A Lopsided Start in Austin

The Chicago State Cougars entered the Moody Center on Monday, November 2, 2026, hoping to establish an early rhythm in their season opener. Instead, they found themselves trailing significantly from the opening moments against the Texas Longhorns. The visiting team managed to put points on the board in both halves, but the margin between the two squads widened relentlessly throughout the contest.

Chicago State began the game with some offensive success, including a three-point jumper by Mike Price and driving layups by Elyjah Freeman. However, the Texas defense tightened its grip as the first half progressed. By the end of the opening period, the Longhorns had established a commanding lead, capitalizing on efficient scoring runs that Chicago State could not match.

The Second Half Continues

The Cougars attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, with Will Lovings-Watts providing some offensive spark for Chicago State. Price contributed significantly as the primary playmaker for the visitors, dishing out five assists. Despite these efforts, the deficit remained insurmountable.

Texas continued to control the tempo, pushing their lead further into double digits and eventually triple digits. The final margin of 50 points underscored the disparity in performance between the home team and the visitors. Chicago State finished with a record of 0-1, while Texas improved to 1-0 on the season.

Standout Performances

For the Longhorns, Matas Vokietaitis was the offensive focal point, leading all players with 22 points. He demonstrated his ability to score from various spots on the floor, including driving layups and dunks. Austin Goosby orchestrated the offense effectively, recording eight assists to direct the team’s attacks.

Amari Evans controlled the glass for Texas, grabbing seven rebounds to help secure possession and limit Chicago State’s second-chance opportunities.

For the Cougars, Will Lovings-Watts was the top scorer with 13 points and also contributed three rebounds. His performance, along with Price’s playmaking, represented the primary offensive threats for Chicago State in a game where they struggled to maintain consistency against the Texas defense.

Final Score and Context

The game concluded with Texas Longhorns 109, Chicago State Cougars 59. The final score reflected a dominant home performance by the Longhorns, who utilized balanced scoring and strong rebounding to secure their first win of the season. The Cougars, playing as visitors, were unable to overcome the early deficit, ending their night with a loss at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

Sources

ESPN