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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas used a 15-0 run late in the first half to break open a two-point game as the Longhorns beat Eastern Illinois, 71-59, in the season opener Tuesday night at the Frank Erwin Center.

Eastern Illinois and Texas traded the lead for the first 16 minute of the game with nine lead changes between the schools.  EIU's biggest lead was at 20-16 on a basket by JaQualis Matlock.

The Panthers took the lead at 25-23 with 3:50 remaining in the first half on a Ben Harvey 3-pointer as the Panthers were 4-of-11 from 3-point range in the opening half.

Texas then went on a 15-0 run to open up a 38-28 halftime lead.  Elijah Mitrou-Long had seven points in the run and handed two other assists during the run.  EIU was able to snap a 3:49 scoring drought to end the opening half as Josiah Wallace drained a 3-pointer as time expired.

Texas opened the second half holding EIU without a basket for the first 90 seconds of the half while the Longhorns knocked down a couple of shots to create comfortable lead as Jericho Sims dunk gave Texas a 45-29 lead.

The Longhorns ended the game shooting 50 percent from the floor while holding EIU to 36 percent for the game.

Eastern Illinois closed the gap scoring the final six points with baskets by Rade Kukobat, Mack Smith and Shareef Smith.   Kukobat finished with a team-high 12 points while pulling down seven rebounds.  Mack Smith had 11 points.

Texas won the battle on the glass by a 35-34 margin with EIU collecting ten rebounds on the offensive glass.  Cam Burrell had three offensive rebounds, four points and two blocks. 

Matt Coleman finished with 13 points while Jaxson Hayes added 12 off the bench to lead Texas. 

EIU returns to action on Saturday at IUPUI.