Texas Struggling on Defense Ahead of Rivalry Matchup with Oklahoma

Longhorns coach Sean Miller calls for improved defensive play as team prepares to face Sooners

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Texas Longhorns are searching for answers on the defensive end of the court as they prepare to face their rival, the Oklahoma Sooners, on Saturday. Texas coach Sean Miller has been frustrated by his team's constant fouling and inability to consistently play strong defense, which has led to several close losses in conference play. Meanwhile, the Sooners have been mired in a seven-game losing streak, with many of the losses coming down to the wire. Both teams are desperate for a win to turn their seasons around.

Why it matters

This matchup between Texas and Oklahoma is an important one for both programs as they try to position themselves for postseason contention. The Longhorns' defensive struggles have been a major issue, and they'll need to shore up that side of the ball to have a chance against their rivals. For Oklahoma, the losing streak has put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, so a win over Texas could provide a much-needed boost.

The details

Texas has struggled on defense throughout Sean Miller's first season as head coach. The Longhorns have been plagued by constant fouling, which has allowed opponents to attempt more free throws. In their last three games, Texas has attempted 44 fewer free throws than its opponents, and their two losses during that stretch came by a combined 11 points. Miller has been vocal about the need for his team to improve defensively, saying "We have to become a better defensive team to reach what we're trying to reach." Meanwhile, Oklahoma's issues during its seven-game losing streak have been widespread, with the team plugging one hole only to have another open up elsewhere. Three of the Sooners' losses during this stretch have come in the final seconds, leaving coach Porter Moser and his team searching for a way to get over the hump.

  • Texas and Oklahoma will face off on Saturday, February 4, 2026 in Norman, Oklahoma.
  • Texas is coming off an 88-82 loss at Auburn on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who is in his first season with the program.

Dailyn Swain

The leading scorer, rebounder, passer, and defender for the Texas Longhorns, averaging 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Porter Moser

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, who is in his fifth season with the program.

Nijel Pack

A player for the Oklahoma Sooners who commented on the team's need to "get over that hump" during their current seven-game losing streak.

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What they’re saying

“We have to become a better defensive team to reach what we're trying to reach. We just do.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“We just got to get over that hump. There's some things that throughout the game that we could do better, and (if) we start figuring that stuff out, it's gonna get scary for everybody.”

— Nijel Pack, Player, Oklahoma Sooners

What’s next

The Longhorns and Sooners will face off on Saturday, February 4, 2026 in Norman, Oklahoma, with both teams desperate for a win to turn their seasons around.

The takeaway

This matchup between Texas and Oklahoma is a crucial one for both programs as they try to position themselves for postseason contention. The Longhorns' defensive struggles have been a major issue, and they'll need to shore up that side of the ball to have a chance against their rivals. For Oklahoma, the losing streak has put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, so a win over Texas could provide a much-needed boost and get them back on track.