Booker’s 24 Points Lead No. 6 Texas Past Fairleigh Dickinson 85-65

Dominant First Half Performance

No. 6 Texas opened the season with a commanding 85-65 victory over the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights on Wednesday at Moody Center in Austin. The Longhorns, playing in front of a crowd of 9,688, established an early lead that proved difficult for the visiting Knights to overcome. Madison Booker was the offensive engine for Texas, finishing with a game-high 24 points and adding five assists.

Breya Cunningham provided crucial support on the glass, securing 13 rebounds for the home team.

Texas controlled the first half, outscoring Fairleigh Dickinson 44-24. The Longhorns started with a burst of energy in the first quarter, leading 30-8 after the first twelve minutes. Despite a sluggish second quarter where Texas scored only 14 points, the team maintained a comfortable 30-point lead at the break.

Booker’s scoring was distributed throughout the first half, while Cunningham’s presence on the boards helped limit second-chance opportunities for FDU.

Knights Attempt a Comeback

The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, who dropped their second game of the season, managed to limit the damage in the second half. Reese Downey led the visitors with 17 points, while Ophir Weintraub dished out five assists. Ane Valle added seven rebounds for FDU.

The Knights scored 15 points in the third quarter and 23 in the fourth, but the deficit was too large to close. Texas outscored Fairleigh Dickinson 41-39 in the second half, maintaining possession of the lead throughout the final twenty minutes.

The Longhorns’ defense stifled the Knights’ momentum, preventing any significant runs. Booker continued to find open teammates, with five assists facilitating easy buckets. Cunningham’s rebounding prowess was a constant thorn in the side of the FDU frontcourt, securing the ball and initiating fast breaks. The game was effectively decided in the first half, as the Longhorns managed the clock and the lead with ease.

Final Records and Season Outlook

The win improves the Texas Longhorns to 1-0 on the season. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights fall to 0-2. The game was played on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The Longhorns’ strong start sets the tone for the remainder of their schedule, while the Knights look to regroup after their two-game losing streak. The performance at Moody Center highlights the depth and talent of the Texas roster, with multiple players contributing to the 85-point total.

The final score of 85-65 reflects the disparity in execution between the two teams. Texas’s ability to score in bunches in the first half, combined with their defensive consistency, proved to be the difference. The Knights’ efforts were commendable, but they could not overcome the early deficit.

The Longhorns’ 1-0 record marks a positive start to their campaign, while the Knights’ 0-2 record indicates the need for immediate adjustments. The game concluded with a comfortable margin, underscoring the home team’s dominance.

Sources

ESPN