Booker's 24 lead No. 6 Texas past Fairleigh Dickinson 85-65

Decisive First-Half Surge

Madison Booker established early dominance as the No. 6 Texas Longhorns defeated the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 85-65 at Moody Center on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Booker finished with a game-high 24 points and five assists, anchoring a home team that built a substantial lead in the opening period.

The Longhorns outscored the Knights 30-8 in the first quarter, a disparity that set the tone for the remainder of the contest. Despite a slow start for the visitors, the home crowd of 9,688 witnessed a performance driven by Texas’ balanced offensive execution.

Booker’s scoring was complemented by Breya Cunningham, who grabbed 13 rebounds, providing a physical presence on the glass that limited Fairleigh Dickinson’s second-chance opportunities.

Knight’s Resilience

Fairleigh Dickinson adjusted its approach in the second half, showing improved resilience despite the deficit. The Knights scored 19 points in the second quarter before adding 15 in the third. Reese Downey emerged as the leading scorer for the visitors with 17 points, while Ophir Weintraub contributed five assists to facilitate the offense.

Ane Valle provided support on the glass with seven rebounds for the Knights. Although Fairleigh Dickinson managed to keep the game competitive at times, the early deficit proved too large to overcome. The Longhorns maintained their lead throughout the second half, scoring 22 points in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth to seal the victory.

Statistical Breakdown

The final score reflects Texas’ control of the game’s key moments. Booker’s 24 points were crucial in sustaining Texas’ lead during critical stretches. Cunningham’s 13 rebounds secured possession in the paint, while Booker’s five assists connected the team’s perimeter shooters.

For Fairleigh Dickinson, Downey’s 17 points represented the team’s best offensive effort, but it was not enough to counter Texas’ depth. Weintraub’s five assists helped move the ball effectively, and Valle’s seven rebounds provided a foundation for the visitors’ defense. The Longhorns’ ability to distribute the ball and protect the rim was evident in their overall performance.

Season Records

With the win, the Texas Longhorns improved their season record to 1-0. The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights fell to 0-2 on the year. The game served as a strong opening for Texas, demonstrating their capability to dominate against non-conference opponents.

The Knights will look to build on their efforts from this matchup as they continue their season. The performance at Moody Center highlighted the talent and depth available to both teams, setting the stage for future contests. Texas’ early success underscores their potential for the upcoming schedule, while Fairleigh Dickinson seeks to refine its execution in subsequent games.

Sources

ESPN