Texas Longhorns Defeat BYU Cougars 79-71
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:35 PM ET · Moda Center
Texas Longhorns 79, BYU Cougars 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Texas Longhorns vs BYU Cougars?
Texas Longhorns beat BYU Cougars 79-71 at Moda Center on March 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Texas Longhorns vs BYU Cougars?
BYU Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Texas Longhorns triumphed over the BYU Cougars with a final score of 79-71 at the Moda Center. This victory is significant as it highlights the Longhorns' ability to perform under pressure, especially considering their recent struggles, having lost their last three games prior to this contest. The Cougars, on the other hand, have also faced challenges, losing their last game against the Houston Cougars and now extending their losing streak to two.
The Cougars entered the game with a home record of 23-12, while the Longhorns had an away record of 20-14. In their last ten games, BYU recorded a mixed performance of 5-5, with an average of 78.1 points scored and 78.4 points allowed. They had a recent home record of 4-1 but were coming off a loss, which may have impacted their morale. In contrast, Texas also posted a 5-5 record in their last ten games, averaging 79.9 points scored and 81.0 points allowed. Their recent form was concerning, as they had lost three consecutive games leading into this matchup.
The game unfolded with Texas demonstrating a strong offensive presence, particularly in the second half. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Robert Wright III and a three-point jumper by Jordan Pope, which helped the Longhorns build a lead. The Cougars attempted to stay competitive, with Aleksej Kostic contributing a three-point shot, but they ultimately fell short.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams were likely affected by fatigue and the mental toll of their recent performances. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had BYU favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Longhorns' performance defied expectations.
The conditions at the Moda Center were conducive to a high-scoring game, with both teams capable of offensive bursts. However, Texas managed to execute their game plan effectively, particularly in the second half, as they capitalized on free throw opportunities, with Tramon Mark making several crucial free throws to seal the victory.
Viewers should have noted the strategic plays and adjustments made by Texas as they navigated the second half, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Longhorns' victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of their potential when performing at their best.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BYU -2.5 | 156.5 o -112 / u -108 | Texas Longhorns +130 · BYU Cougars -155 |
Leaders
- PointsAJ Dybantsa35BYU Cougars
- AssistsRobert Wright III3BYU Cougars
- ReboundsAJ Dybantsa10BYU Cougars
- PointsMatas Vokietaitis23Texas Longhorns
- AssistsDailyn Swain6Texas Longhorns
- ReboundsMatas Vokietaitis16Texas Longhorns
Recent form
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.1 scored · 78.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L66-73at Houston CougarsMar 12
- W68-48at West Virginia MountaineersMar 11
- W105-91vs Kansas State WildcatsMar 10
- W82-76vs Texas Tech Red RaidersMar 8
- L68-90at Cincinnati BearcatsMar 4
- L71-79at West Virginia MountaineersFeb 28
- L84-97vs UCF KnightsFeb 25
- W79-69vs Iowa State CyclonesFeb 22
- L68-75at Arizona WildcatsFeb 19
- W90-86vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 14
Texas Longhorns
Last 10: 5-5Streak L379.9 scored · 81 allowed per game2-2 away
- L66-76vs Ole Miss RebelsMar 11
- L85-88vs Oklahoma SoonersMar 8
- L85-105at Arkansas RazorbacksMar 5
- W76-70at Texas A&M AggiesFeb 28
- L71-84vs Florida GatorsFeb 26
- L80-91at Georgia BulldogsFeb 21
- W88-85vs LSU TigersFeb 18
- W85-68at Missouri TigersFeb 15
- W79-68vs Ole Miss RebelsFeb 7
- W84-75vs South Carolina GamecocksFeb 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Texas Longhorns | BYU Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-66 | 24-56 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 4-22 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 18 |
| Free throws | 9-18 | 19-24 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 23 |
| Assists | 14 | 6 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 98 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half43-37Kennard Davis Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 1st Half46-37Tramon Mark makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half48-37Matas Vokietaitis makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 2nd Half48-39Keba Keita makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half48-40Keba Keita makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-41Aleksej Kostic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-42Aleksej Kostic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-44Robert Wright III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-44Chendall Weaver makes layup (Jordan Pope assists)
- 2nd Half53-44Tramon Mark makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chendall Weaver assists)
- 2nd Half53-47Aleksej Kostic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kennard Davis Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Dailyn Swain makes layup (Matas Vokietaitis assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Robert Wright III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-49Tramon Mark makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-49Simeon Wilcher makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Tramon Mark assists)
- 2nd Half59-51AJ Dybantsa makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half61-51Matas Vokietaitis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-51Dailyn Swain makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-51Dailyn Swain makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chendall Weaver assists)
- 2nd Half68-51Tramon Mark makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-52AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-53AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-55AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-57AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-58AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-59AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Matas Vokietaitis makes 7-foot hook shot (Nic Codie assists)
- 2nd Half70-62AJ Dybantsa makes 25-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half70-63AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-64AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Matas Vokietaitis makes layup
- 2nd Half72-65Keba Keita makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Keba Keita makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-68Robert Wright III makes driving layup (AJ Dybantsa assists)
- 2nd Half75-68Jordan Pope makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 2nd Half75-71Aleksej Kostic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kennard Davis Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half76-71Tramon Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-71Tramon Mark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-71Tramon Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-71Tramon Mark makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours BYU Cougars, below favours Texas Longhorns.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance14070
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Larry Scirotto, James Breeding
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