Texas Stuns BYU: Vokietaitis Powers Longhorns to Opening-Round March Madness Upset
No. 11 seed Texas delivered one of the first major upsets of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, defeating sixth-seeded BYU 79-71 Thursday night. The game was defined by the standout performance of Matas Vokietaitis, who powered the Longhorns with 23 points and 16 rebounds, overcoming a spectacular 35-point effort from BYU star Dybantsa.
Texas entered the tournament as an underdog, but Vokietaitis’ physical presence in the paint and resilience on the boards gave the Longhorns the edge they needed. The victory propels Texas into the second round and marks a signature win for the program during March Madness.
- Vokietaitis: 23 points, 16 rebounds
- Texas: 79 points (No. 11 seed)
- BYU: 71 points (No. 6 seed)
- Dybantsa: 35 points
Despite BYU’s high seed and Dybantsa’s explosive scoring, Texas managed to control the tempo down the stretch. Vokietaitis dominated inside, repeatedly grabbing offensive rebounds and converting second-chance points. His double-double not only showcased his individual talent but also symbolized Texas’ collective determination to advance.
The Longhorns’ defense was crucial, holding BYU’s supporting cast in check and forcing key turnovers. BYU attempted to rally late, but Texas responded with timely baskets and disciplined play, sealing the win in the closing minutes.
For BYU, Dybantsa’s 35 points kept the Cougars competitive throughout, but the team struggled to generate consistent offense beyond their star. Texas, meanwhile, benefited from balanced scoring and Vokietaitis’ game-changing rebounding.
The upset reshapes the bracket, positioning Texas as a potential Cinderella story heading into the next round. The win is a testament to the unpredictability and drama that defines March Madness, where lower-seeded teams can topple favorites through grit and standout performances.
This opening-round result underscores the importance of rebounding, defense, and star power in tournament play. Texas will look to build on this momentum, while BYU exits the tournament despite a heroic individual effort from Dybantsa.