Texas Wins Without Lassina Traore, Maintains SEC Momentum

The Texas Longhorns improved to 15-9 with a hard-fought win over Ole Miss on Saturday, continuing a hot stretch in SEC play. The victory, however, came without the services of reserve forward Lassina Traore, who was removed from the injury report but did not suit up.

Head coach Sean Miller confirmed that Traore’s absence was precautionary, citing knee soreness rather than a long-term issue. While the junior forward “could have played,” Miller opted to rest him, ensuring he remains healthy for the remainder of the season.

Traore’s presence has been inconsistent recently, alternating between key minutes and limited court time. He played 16 minutes in Texas’ Feb. 3 win over South Carolina, where he aggravated his knee, highlighting the ongoing management of his condition.

Even without Traore, Texas handled Ole Miss’ frontcourt, out-rebounding the Rebels 36-27 and maintaining control in the paint. The win marked the Longhorns’ third straight, bringing them to 6-5 in SEC play and four victories in their last five games, including wins over three AP Top 25 opponents.

1. Traore’s Status and Impact

Lassina Traore, in his fifth season with Texas, averages 3.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game. He has largely come off the bench this season, appearing in all but one of Texas’ first 23 games. Although cleared for play, Traore was limited in pre-game warmups and did not participate in the shootaround, signaling a cautious approach by the coaching staff. 247 Sports’ Eric Henry noted that Traore was dressed and on the sideline, but remained sidelined during pre-game preparations. Coach Sean Miller emphasized that Traore’s absence was not concerning long-term. “He could have played,” Miller said, but the decision to rest him was aimed at managing soreness and keeping him available for upcoming games. This careful management reflects how the Longhorns have rotated Traore in recent weeks, balancing his minutes between as many as 22 and as few as eight, depending on matchup and physical condition.

2. Texas’ Frontcourt Performance

Despite missing Traore, Texas controlled the boards against Ole Miss, limiting second-chance opportunities while securing key rebounds. The Longhorns’ 36-27 edge in rebounds offset some defensive lapses in the paint. The team’s physicality was evident, as Texas effectively challenged Ole Miss’ inside game and maintained possession control. This performance reinforced the Longhorns’ depth and ability to adapt without a regular rotation player. Texas’ balanced frontcourt effort was complemented by contributions from other reserves, allowing the team to maintain pace and defensive intensity throughout the game. Coach Miller’s rotation strategy ensured minimal drop-off despite Traore sitting out. The victory underlines the Longhorns’ ability to overcome injuries and maintain momentum in a competitive SEC schedule. It also highlights the team’s preparedness to adjust roles and responsibilities when key bench players are unavailable.

3. SEC Momentum and Outlook

The win against Ole Miss extends Texas’ SEC record to 6-5 and represents the Longhorns’ third consecutive victory. With four wins in their last five games, the team is riding a positive trend in conference play. Notably, Texas has defeated its last three AP Top 25 opponents, demonstrating the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. These victories have improved the Longhorns’ standing and playoff positioning within the SEC. The team’s depth and rotation management, including handling minor injuries like Traore’s knee soreness, will be key as the schedule intensifies. Maintaining health across the roster will be crucial for sustaining momentum through the final stretch. Looking ahead, Texas aims to continue this winning streak while ensuring key players like Traore remain available for critical matchups in the conference race. The Longhorns’ ability to balance minutes and manage minor injuries will be essential to their postseason aspirations.