No one understands the dichotomy of Texas basketball better than head coach Sean Miller. The Longhorns are in the midst of their best offensive season since the Runnin’ Horns era under coach Tom Penders a generation ago, yet they’re also on the verge of playing themselves out of NCAA Tournament contention with a 12-9 record and a 3-5 mark in the SEC entering Saturday’s game at Oklahoma.

And the albatross on the Longhorns’ season is no secret.

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Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) drives in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) drives in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

“We have to become a better defensive team to reach what we’re trying to reach,” Miller said after his team’s 88-82 loss Wednesday at Auburn. “We just do. We have a lot of answers on offense, and we’re searching for answers on defense.”

Texas again answered any questions about its offense against Auburn, as Miller pointed out after the game while glancing over the stat sheet. The Longhorns shot 52% from the field, made 12 of their 26 shots from 3-point range and converted 78% of their 23 free throws.

“And we had 11 turnovers, but we only had two in the second half, and we scored 82 points, we lost,” Miller said, befuddled by the numbers.

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MORE: Texas basketball sure scraps hard, but that isn’t enough to win in the SEC | Golden

Texas defense, fouls negate strong offense

But Miller certainly understood that Auburn had its way with the Texas defense, especially during a 54-point second half. The Tigers shot 68.4% from the floor after the break, including a 6 of 9 mark on 3-point shots. Even more agonizing to Miller, they took full advantage of the Longhorns’ propensity to foul: Auburn made 22 of 28 free throws in the second half and ended the game 29 of 39 from the stripe.

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“If you look at our second-half defense, I mean, if I went out there with four instead of five, I think they would have got maybe, like, 94, 96,” he said. “We had zero answers.”

It’s a season-long trend that Oklahoma could exploit, even with the hard-luck Sooners on a seven-game slide. The Longhorns rank 322nd out of 361 Division I teams with 19.6 fouls per game. Vanderbilt is the only team in the SEC that has given up more made free throws than the 368 allowed by Texas. All those fouls only amplify a porous defense that ranks 11th in the 16-team SEC in opponent’s field-goal percentage (43.1%) and 15th in opponents’ 3-point percentage (35.7%).

Texas Longhorns forwards Camden Heide (5) and Lassina Traore (23) battle Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) for the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forwards Camden Heide (5) and Lassina Traore (23) battle Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) for the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Georgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up as Georgia Bulldogs guard Marcus Millender (4) watches in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up as Georgia Bulldogs guard Marcus Millender (4) watches in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller coaches his team during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller coaches his team during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) eyes the hoop in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) eyes the hoop in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) catches the ball in an attempt to keep it in-bounds as a time-out is called and a turnover was avoided in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) catches the ball in an attempt to keep it in-bounds as a time-out is called and a turnover was avoided in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts his arms up to encourage the crowd as the clock winds down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts his arms up to encourage the crowd as the clock winds down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) battles Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) and center Somto Cyril (2) for the rebound in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) battles Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) and center Somto Cyril (2) for the rebound in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanSusan Hicks walks with her grandchildren, Wyatt, 6, and Reese, 4, Vedros in the cold wind as they head in to see their first Longhorns’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Susan Hicks walks with her grandchildren, Wyatt, 6, and Reese, 4, Vedros in the cold wind as they head in to see their first Longhorns’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forwards Camden Heide (5) and Lassina Traore (23) defend in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forwards Camden Heide (5) and Lassina Traore (23) defend in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) puts the ball up in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) puts the ball up in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) applauds as the crowd gives the team a standing ovation as the clock winds down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) applauds as the crowd gives the team a standing ovation as the clock winds down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Nic Codie (10) puts up three fingers to celebrate a teammates three-point-shot in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Nic Codie (10) puts up three fingers to celebrate a teammates three-point-shot in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanOmari Tucker, a senior sousaphone player in the Longhorn Marching Band, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Omari Tucker, a senior sousaphone player in the Longhorn Marching Band, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) shoots for three over Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) shoots for three over Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) keeps the ball away from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) keeps the ball away from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) sits on the bench in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) sits on the bench in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas Marching Band in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

The Texas Marching Band in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) dribbles the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) dribbles the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) calms down center Matas Vokietaitis (8) after a foul call in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) calms down center Matas Vokietaitis (8) after a foul call in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Georgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanKristina Beck, a Texas fan, pulls up her tickets as she heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Kristina Beck, a Texas fan, pulls up her tickets as she heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanKristine B. and her daughter, family members of Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) take a photo outside the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Kristine B. and her daughter, family members of Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) take a photo outside the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA referee holds the ball during timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

A referee holds the ball during timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) reacts to a foul call in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) reacts to a foul call in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanRachel Hernandez and her son, Gabe, 8, brace against the cold wind as they head into the basketball game and out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Rachel Hernandez and her son, Gabe, 8, brace against the cold wind as they head into the basketball game and out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Pom performs on the court during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Pom performs on the court during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) smiles during ‘“The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) smiles during ‘“The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanA young Texas fan, braced against the cold wind, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

A young Texas fan, braced against the cold wind, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanReese Vendors, 4, is bundled up against the cold as holds her grandma’s hand and heads out of the cold weather and into her first Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Reese Vendors, 4, is bundled up against the cold as holds her grandma’s hand and heads out of the cold weather and into her first Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) listens to coaching during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) listens to coaching during a timeout in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) looks for way around defense some Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) looks for way around defense some Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) puts the ball up in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) puts the ball up in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guards Jordan Pope (0) and Chendall Weaver (2) smile during ‘“The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guards Jordan Pope (0) and Chendall Weaver (2) smile during ‘“The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe starting lineup is announced ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

The starting lineup is announced ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) shoots for three points in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) shoots for three points in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller shouts to his team in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller shouts to his team in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) smiles after subbing out of the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) smiles after subbing out of the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) drives around Georgia Bulldogs forward Kanon Catchings (6) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) drives around Georgia Bulldogs forward Kanon Catchings (6) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Camden Heide (5) battles Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) for the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Texas Longhorns forward Camden Heide (5) battles Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) for the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) dribbles the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) dribbles the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Georgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) falls from the rim after a collision with Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) that was reviewed and ruled a flagrant foul in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) throws the ball as he falls in the second half of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) throws the ball as he falls in the second half of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) holds his jaw after a collision in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) holds his jaw after a collision in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) catches the ball over Georgia Bulldogs forward Kareem Stagg (1) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) catches the ball over Georgia Bulldogs forward Kareem Stagg (1) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) puts the ball up over Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) puts the ball up over Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) waits to sub into the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) waits to sub into the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) defends against Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Simeon Wilcher (7) defends against Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) tries to push the ball out of the hands of Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) tries to push the ball out of the hands of Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up over Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) puts the ball up over Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) defends against an attempt from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) defends against an attempt from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) celebrates a play with guard Chendall Weaver (2) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) celebrates a play with guard Chendall Weaver (2) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) keeps possession as he falls near the hoop in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) keeps possession as he falls near the hoop in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots over defense from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) shoots over defense from Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanYoung Texas fans take their shirts off as their team takes the lead in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Young Texas fans take their shirts off as their team takes the lead in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) brings the ball down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) brings the ball down in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) is fouled for an attempt at an extra point by Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) is fouled for an attempt at an extra point by Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) puts the ball up to score in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) puts the ball up to score in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) drives out from the corner in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) drives out from the corner in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) smiles after subbing out of the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) smiles after subbing out of the game in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) battles defense from Georgia Bulldogs guards Blue Cain (0) and guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) battles defense from Georgia Bulldogs guards Blue Cain (0) and guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) wins the rebound over Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs forward Justin Abson (25) wins the rebound over Texas Longhorns center Matas Vokietaitis (8) in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) dunks the ball as Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) defends in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) dunks the ball as Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) defends in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) drives in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Pope (0) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) drives in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) dunks the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) dunks the ball in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) looks for a way through Texas defense in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) looks for a way through Texas defense in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) puts the ball up in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs guard Jordan Ross (3) puts the ball up in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) drives toward the hoop in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) defends as Georgia Bulldogs guard Blue Cain (0) drives toward the hoop in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) applauds a teammate in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns forward Lassina Traore (23) applauds a teammate in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanGeorgia Bulldogs guard Marcus Millender (4) shouts a play to his team in the first half of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Georgia Bulldogs guard Marcus Millender (4) shouts a play to his team in the first half of the Texas Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) passes to a teammate in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Texas Longhorns guard Chendall Weaver (2) passes to a teammate in the first half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanThe Texas bench celebrate three points in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

The Texas bench celebrate three points in the second half of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026. Texas won the game 87-67.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

The Longhorns’ defensive woes all but negate one of the best offenses in program history. Led by a breakout season by Dailyn Swain (17.5 points a game), Texas ranks sixth in the SEC with 85.9 points per game, which is the highest average since the 1994-95 team finished the season posting 92.9 points a contest. The Longhorns also rank in the top three in the league in field-goal percentage and made free throws.

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But none of that matters if Texas can’t play defense without fouling, Miller said, who’s in his first season at Texas but 21st season as a head coach.

“I’ve been doing this enough to at least know this: When you get deep into a conference season, you have to be able to defend and play offense,” he said. “You’re not going to be able to say, ‘Hey, tonight’s our hot night. We’re going to go get one.’ There’s too many good players on the other team. There’s too many good teams and coaches in this league. So, our defense, it has to get better individually and collectively. We’re going to stay at it and keep hitting that rock until it breaks. It’s not breaking right now for us, (but) we’ll just keep hitting it.”

MORE: UT’s Dailyn Swain makes American-Statesman’s midseason All-SEC team

Oklahoma basketball: Guards make Sooners dangerous despite record

Unlike Auburn, which leads the SEC in free-throw attempts, Oklahoma doesn’t rely on getting to the foul line. The Sooners rank just 13th in the SEC in free-throw attempts, but they can heat up from 3-point range. They rank fourth in the SEC with 204 made 3-pointers while averaging 83.5 points a game, and they boast a dangerous guard tandem in Xzayvier Brown and Nijel Pack, who combine for 32.3 points a game.

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Pack, who’s in his sixth collegiate season, last faced the Longhorns in 2023, when he scored 15 points for Miami in an 88-81 win over Texas in an Elite Eight matchup.

Miller said the presence of those guards help make the Sooners (11-10, 1-7) dangerous even though Oklahoma sits in the cellar of the league standings with LSU. In its last two games, Oklahoma lost to Missouri by one point in overtime and by four points to No. 15 Arkansas.

“You get ready for your next opportunity,” Miller said. “One thing about the SEC is there’s certainly one waiting.”

Texas (12-9, 3-5 SEC) at Oklahoma (11-10, 1-7): How to watch

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Where: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, Okla.

TV/radio: ESPN2; 1300 AM, 98.1 FM