Texas Looks to Continue Hot Streak Against Struggling LSU

Longhorns aim to solidify NCAA Tournament standing as Tigers search for answers

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Texas Longhorns, winners of four straight and five of their last six games, host the struggling LSU Tigers on Tuesday night in a late-season SEC clash. Texas is considered safely in the NCAA Tournament field, while LSU has dropped six of its past seven games, including five by double digits. The Longhorns are led by Dailyn Swain, Matas Vokietaitis, and Jordan Pope, while the Tigers will be without starting point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. and leading scorer Max Mackinnon due to injuries.

Why it matters

This game is important for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Texas is looking to continue its recent hot streak and solidify its NCAA Tournament standing, while LSU is trying to turn things around and salvage its season after a disappointing conference campaign so far.

The details

Texas is coming off a dominant 85-68 win at Missouri on Saturday, led by 25 points from Dailyn Swain. The Longhorns have won four straight and five of their last six games, with only one of those games against a ranked opponent. LSU, meanwhile, has dropped six of its past seven, including five double-digit losses. The Tigers will be without starting point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. and leading scorer Max Mackinnon due to injuries.

  • Texas and LSU square off on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
  • Texas has won four straight and five of its last six games.

The players

Dailyn Swain

A key player for the Texas Longhorns, scoring a game-high 25 points in their recent win over Missouri.

Matas Vokietaitis

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

Dedan Thomas Jr.

The starting point guard for the LSU Tigers 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 (Field Level Media)

“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 (Field Level Media)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to solidifying its NCAA Tournament standing, while the loser will have to regroup and try to turn things around in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

This game represents an important crossroads for both teams as they head into the final stretch of the season. Texas is looking to continue its recent hot streak and cement its place in the NCAA Tournament, while LSU is desperately trying to turn things around and salvage its season after a disappointing conference campaign so far.