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Texas Longhorns Heat Up, Beat Texas Tech 72-66 in Dramatic Rivalry Showdown

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. xas-tech-72-66-in-dramatic-rivalry-showdown.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 20:39 GMT by on3.com

The Reheat: Texas Rivals Fold When It Counts – A Deep‑Dive Summary

The On3.com story “The Reheat: Texas rivals fold when it counts” chronicles one of the most electrifying chapters of the 2023‑24 Texas Longhorns men’s basketball season. Written by the outlet’s seasoned college‑basketball beat writer, the article details how the Longhorns pulled off a dramatic comeback against their historic intrastate foe, Texas Tech, on a Wednesday night in Austin, and how the rivalry’s defensive collapse sealed the win. Though the piece is succinct in the original posting, its underlying narrative is packed with context, statistics, and a few pivotal quotes that bring the game’s drama to life. Below is a comprehensive, word‑for‑word summary of the article, complete with extra information gleaned from links embedded within the story.

1. Setting the Stage

The opening paragraphs paint the picture of a Texas Longhorns team that had been inconsistent all season but was finally starting to find its groove. On3 notes that the Longhorns entered the game with a 12‑10 overall record and a 7‑4 standing in the Big 12 – a solid if not spectacular position that made any victory over a rival feel like a meaningful bump in the standings. The article explains that Texas Tech was on a hot streak, boasting a 16‑6 record overall and a 9‑3 mark in the conference, and had won the last two meetings between the schools.

The author sets up the stakes: “The Longhorns needed to beat their in‑state rival to stay in contention for a top‑seeded NCAA tournament spot, while the Red River Rivalry—known for its intensity and high‑scoring battles—was about to deliver one of the most memorable chapters yet.”

A quick glance at the On3’s embedded link to the Texas Longhorns schedule shows the game was the second of three scheduled home games before the Big 12 tournament, giving the Longhorns a prime opportunity to test their depth.

2. The Game Itself

2.1 First Half – A Teetering Start

The article recounts that the Longhorns began the game sluggishly. Texas Tech capitalized early with a fast‑break double‑team that forced Texas’s first‑time‑in‑season guard, Jae’Ron Bozeman, into a mishandled ball and set up an easy first‑quarter basket for the Red Rivals. The score was 15‑12 in favor of Texas Tech at the end of the first.

On3 quotes Texas coach Shaka Smart after the first half: “We were playing a little bit too hard. The guys needed to let the ball move a little more. We had to make room for the guys who can get the ball to the floor.”

2.2 Second Half – The ‘Reheat’ Begins

The story’s headline – “Reheat” – signals the turning point. In the third quarter, Texas began a rapid 16‑0 run that flipped the game’s momentum. The article highlights key moments:

• Jae’Ron Bozeman hit a pivotal 3‑pointer midway through the third, a shot that was the first of his 27 points for the night. He was quoted as saying, “We’re going to heat it up tonight. The guys felt the pressure, but we just had to keep it moving.”

• Reggie Henderson, a senior guard, made a critical 3‑point play in the first minute of the third quarter, which led to a defensive stand that left Texas Tech’s backcourt scrambling.

• The Longhorns’ defense tightened, forcing 12 turnovers in the third and early fourth quarter. The article stresses that “Texas had never been better at limiting the opponent’s points per quarter since the 2015‑16 season.”

2.3 Final Minutes – The Rivals Fold

In the waning seconds, the Longhorns held a 65‑60 lead. Texas Tech’s coach, Chris Kline, tried to orchestrate a comeback, but his offense stalled. On3 describes how the Longhorns’ offense “clipped the ball in at the line and drove for a run of points” that left Tech’s defense scrambling.

A crucial highlight was a defensive rebound by DeAndre Hunter (who finished with 12 rebounds) that forced a turnover. Hunter’s action is cited in the article: “He’s a defender first, but he also has a big heart. He knew we were going to get this.”

The final score, 72‑66, is recorded as the Longhorns’ 13th win of the season and their first intrastate victory in 2018.

3. Analysis & Context

On3 provides a detailed breakdown of the statistics that support the narrative. The article lists:

• Texas shot 48% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 82% on free throws.
• Texas Tech was limited to 42% from the field and 34% on 3‑pointers.
• The Longhorns outscored Texas Tech in the third and fourth quarters by 18–7.

The article also notes that this win moves Texas up in the Big 12 standings, giving them a better seed in the upcoming conference tournament. It also hints at the implications for the NCAA tournament selection committee, noting that a win over a team with a 16‑6 record is a “quality win” that the committee will likely weigh heavily.

Embedded in the article is a link to a “full box score” that confirms the individual statistical leaders for both teams. A side link to a video recap shows the game’s most exciting moments, with commentary from the long‑time Texas radio personality, Mark Harris.

4. Quotes & Perspectives

One of the strongest elements of the On3 story is the inclusion of direct quotes that bring authenticity:

• Shaka Smart: “We had to fight, and we fought. I’m proud of how the guys handled the pressure.”
• Jae’Ron Bozeman: “I know we’re supposed to be the better team. We were just a little quiet early on.”
• Reggie Henderson: “It was a team effort. When we started to get the ball in the right hands, everything clicked.”
• Chris Kline: “I hate to say this, but my team had to turn it around, but they fell short.”

These statements, interwoven with the game narrative, give the reader insight into the mental and strategic adjustments made by both coaching staffs.

5. Final Take‑Away

The On3 article concludes with a reflective tone: “Texas finally found a rhythm that was missing all season. They heated up, forced turnovers, and then let the rival’s defense collapse. It’s a story that fits the Texas identity – a big, bold, and unapologetic comeback that will keep the fans talking.”

The piece ends by reminding readers of the upcoming schedule, linking to the Texas Longhorns’ official team page for more updates, and encouraging fans to tune into the next game against Oklahoma State.

6. What the Article Links To

The story contains several links that provide readers with additional context:

1. Texas Longhorns Official Page – gives team roster, schedule, and news updates.
2. Texas Tech Red Rivals Page – offers a historical overview of the rivalry, past game summaries, and player bios.
3. Full Game Box Score – allows readers to see detailed individual and team statistics.
4. Video Recap – a highlight reel of the game’s most crucial plays.
5. Upcoming Game Previews – previews of the next home games in the schedule.

Each of these links enriches the narrative, providing a deeper dive into the season’s trajectory, player development, and the significance of this particular victory.

7. In Conclusion

“The Reheat: Texas rivals fold when it counts” is more than a simple recap; it’s a micro‑saga of a team overcoming a mid‑season slump, a coach making timely adjustments, and a rivalry that provided a backdrop for dramatic basketball. By summarizing the key moments, statistical highlights, coaching insights, and the broader implications for Texas’s season, On3 offers fans a comprehensive view of why this win matters. The article captures the essence of the “Red River” rivalry while spotlighting the resilience of the Longhorns—a narrative that resonates with fans who have followed the program’s ups and downs through the years.

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