Texas Looks to Stay Hot Against Struggling LSU

Longhorns aim to continue recent surge as Tigers try to end skid

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Texas and LSU will meet in a late-season SEC matchup in Austin, with the Longhorns looking to continue their recent hot streak and the Tigers hoping to end their three-game losing skid. Texas has won four straight and five of its last six, while LSU has dropped six of its past seven games.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for both teams as they look to position themselves heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Texas is considered safely in the NCAA Tournament field, but wants to keep building momentum, while LSU is struggling and needs to find a way to turn things around.

The details

Texas is coming off a dominant 85-68 win at Missouri in which Dailyn Swain scored a game-high 25 points. The Longhorns led by just two at halftime but pulled away in the second half, shooting 61.5% from the floor and making 16 of 17 free throws. LSU, meanwhile, is dealing with injuries to key players like starting point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. and leading scorer Max Mackinnon. The Tigers have lost six of their last seven games, with five of those losses coming by double digits.

  • Texas has won four straight games and five of its last six.
  • LSU has lost six of its past seven outings, with five of those losses coming by double digits.

The players

Dailyn Swain

A Texas player who scored a game-high 25 points in the Longhorns' recent win over Missouri.

Matas Vokietaitis

A Texas player who scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win over Missouri.

Dedan Thomas Jr.

LSU's starting point guard who has been ruled out for the season.

Max Mackinnon

LSU's leading scorer in SEC play who missed the team's most recent loss due to a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking, obviously, to finish strong, and be at our very best here in February. Every night in this league is a tough test, and we're looking to build on some recent good play. These next two or three weeks is the moment of truth for everybody, not just Texas.”

— Sean Miller, Texas Head Coach (bradenton.com)

“We learned a lot about our group, and that's how we need to compete and fight for 40 minutes every night out as we move forward. I was really proud of our players for their fight, the resolve that we showed.”

— Matt McMahon, LSU Head Coach (bradenton.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game is a crucial one for both teams as they look to position themselves for the final stretch of the regular season. Texas is hoping to continue its recent surge and solidify its NCAA Tournament standing, while LSU is desperate to end its skid and get its season back on track.