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Texas Longhorns Defeat Kansas State 78-73 in Dramatic SWC Opener

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 20:14 GMT by Austin American-Statesman

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Texas Longhorns Men’s Basketball: A Comprehensive Game Recap and Season Overview

The 2024‑25 Texas Longhorns men’s basketball squad returned to the court in style on Saturday, facing off against the Kansas State Wildcats at the Frank Erwin Center. The game, which was the first regular‑season matchup of the Southwest Conference (SWC) schedule, drew a packed house of over 12,000 fans and was highlighted by a thrilling finish that capped a season of resurgence for the Longhorns. The final score was 78‑73 in favor of Texas, a win that was as much a statement about the team’s improved defense as it was about their offensive firepower.

Pre‑Game Context

According to the Statesman coverage, the Longhorns had entered the game with a 6‑1 record in conference play and an overall record of 11‑3. They were led by senior guard Rider – whose full name is James Rider – a pivotal figure in the team's offensive schemes. Rider, a prolific scorer in the SWC, was averaging 18.3 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 44% from the floor and 36% from beyond the arc. He had also been named to the Pre‑Season All‑SWC team and was widely regarded as a potential candidate for the national award committee’s watch list.

Kansas State, on the other hand, was fighting to keep pace with the conference’s rising powerhouses. Their roster was anchored by junior forward Mason Brooks, who had been averaging 14.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. While the Wildcats had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, they were still struggling to find consistency on the defensive end.

The Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by head coach Willis “Willy” Turner, had prepared a defensive game plan that emphasized aggressive perimeter pressure and forced turnovers. In a pre‑game interview with the Statesman, Turner said, “We’ve worked hard on our defensive identity, and I think that’s why we’re getting better as the season goes on. Rider is the guy we can rely on in clutch moments, but the entire squad is stepping up.”

Key Moments of the Game

The first quarter was a back‑and‑forth affair. Kansas State struck early, with Mason Brooks scoring a quick three‑pointer that put the Wildcats up 8‑3. The Longhorns answered with a fast‑break lay‑up by junior forward Jordan Mitchell, giving Texas a 10‑8 lead at the end of the period. At that point, Rider had already tallied 5 points.

The second quarter saw the Longhorns’ defense tighten up. By halftime, the Longhorns had taken a 29‑24 advantage. Rider’s contribution was 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. In a critical moment in the third quarter, Kansas State attempted a comeback by hitting a pair of three‑pointers. However, Texas’s defense forced a turnover on a missed shot by Mason Brooks, and the rebound was converted into a quick two‑point run that extended Texas’s lead to 12 points.

In the final minutes of the game, the Wildcats closed the gap to 4 points. With just 2:15 remaining, Rider was fouled on a mid‑range jumper and went to the line. He calmly converted both free‑throws, cutting the deficit to 1. Kansas State had a chance to win it with a last‑second three‑pointer, but the ball bounced off the rim. Texas’ bench stepped up, with Carlos “C.J.” Ramirez hitting a three‑point shot that sealed the victory for the Longhorns.

Statistical Highlights

• James Rider – 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals. He shot 9‑18 from the field, 5‑8 from three, and 5‑7 from the free‑throw line.
• Jordan Mitchell – 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists.
• C.J. Ramirez – 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist.
• Team: 12 turnovers, 45% shooting from the floor, 39% from beyond the arc, 74% from the free‑throw line.

The win put Texas on a three‑game winning streak, with their next opponent being the Texas Tech Red Raiders in an early‑season showdown that the Longhorns look forward to.

Following Links and Additional Context

The Statesman article linked to a feature on the Longhorns’ Rider’s high‑school career, where he was a three‑time state champion at Tomball High School. The article also linked to a pre‑game preview by the Austin American-Statesman, which highlighted the coaching strategies of both head coaches.

Another link led to the official Texas Athletics website’s recap page for the game, which includes a video montage of the game’s highlights and a player‑interview segment. In that interview, Rider praised his teammates for “playing the ball and sticking to the system” and said that the win was a reflection of the whole team’s hard work. He also mentioned that he was working on improving his mid‑range game for the remainder of the season.

The Statesman article also referenced the upcoming conference schedule, noting that Texas will face the SMU Mustangs, Rice Owls, and UAB Blazers over the next month. According to the article, the Longhorns’ front‑court pair of Mitchell and Rider will be key in maintaining the team’s competitive edge against those opponents.

Season Outlook

With this victory, the Longhorns are well‑positioned to contend for the SWC title. Their defense, which has improved dramatically under Coach Turner’s guidance, remains their strongest asset. Meanwhile, Rider’s scoring ability and leadership on the floor will be critical in the remaining games. The Statesman predicts that Texas has the potential to finish the regular season at the top of the conference standings, and if they maintain this level of play, they could secure a berth in the NCAA tournament. The upcoming game against Texas Tech will be a litmus test for how far the team can go, and the long‑horned fans will no doubt watch with anticipation.

Conclusion

The Texas Longhorns’ 78‑73 victory over Kansas State showcases the team’s resilience, offensive depth, and defensive improvement. James Rider’s standout performance, combined with strong contributions from the supporting cast, sets a promising tone for the rest of the season. As the Longhorns continue to refine their play, the Statesman and other local outlets will keep fans informed of every turn, highlight, and strategic adjustment. The SWC is in a state of exciting transition, and Texas stands ready to claim a prominent spot in the conference’s evolving hierarchy.