Tre Johnson breaks Kevin Durant’s debut scoring record, but No. 19 Texas falls to Ohio State, 80-72

In a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse programs, No. 19 Texas fell short to Ohio State, losing 80-72 in a hard-fought contest. Despite the loss, the game was historic for Texas freshman Tre Johnson, who put on an individual performance that will go down in school history.

Johnson, who has been touted as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball, had a night to remember. With his 34-point explosion, he shattered the Texas freshman scoring debut record, surpassing the previous mark set by none other than NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who scored 29 points in his first game for the Longhorns in 2006. Johnson’s scoring output was not just a testament to his individual skill but also a sign of his potential to become one of the elite players in the nation.

From the opening tip, Johnson displayed his remarkable scoring ability, showing off a versatile game that included smooth mid-range jumpers, explosive drives to the basket, and even deep three-pointers. His performance kept Texas within striking distance, despite the team facing an uphill battle for most of the game.

However, the Longhorns’ effort was ultimately undone by Ohio State’s offensive balance and defensive resilience. The Buckeyes, who came into the game with a solid reputation as a disciplined and well-coached squad, executed their game plan efficiently. Led by their star forward, Brice Sensabaugh, who finished with 25 points, Ohio State kept Texas on its heels throughout the game. Sensabaugh, who was nearly unstoppable at times, powered Ohio State to an early lead, and the Buckeyes were able to weather Johnson’s barrage of points.

Texas struggled to find consistency beyond Johnson’s scoring, and despite some flashes of brilliance from other players, they couldn’t match Ohio State’s overall offensive depth. The Longhorns were plagued by turnovers and poor shooting from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-21 (24%) from three-point range. Their inability to capitalize on open looks from deep allowed Ohio State to maintain control of the game, even as Johnson refused to let his team fade into the background.

Defensively, Texas had trouble containing Ohio State’s offensive flow. In addition to Sensabaugh’s scoring, the Buckeyes got strong performances from their guards, who facilitated the offense and kept Texas’ defense scrambling. Ohio State’s team-oriented play helped them maintain a lead, and the Longhorns’ defensive lapses in key moments allowed the Buckeyes to pull away in the second half.

In the final moments of the game, Texas made a push, but it was too little, too late. Johnson continued to fight, scoring at will, but without sufficient support, the Longhorns couldn’t close the gap. As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 80-72 in favor of Ohio State, a disappointing result for Texas, but one that highlighted Johnson’s immense potential as a future star in college basketball.

For Texas, the loss was a tough one to swallow, but the emergence of Tre Johnson as a legitimate scoring threat will give the team hope moving forward. If the Longhorns can improve their overall team play and provide more support for Johnson, they remain a dangerous team in the competitive Big 12 conference. As for Johnson, his record-breaking debut is just the beginning of what could be a very special season.