Jordan Hamilton had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Texas opened the season with an 83-52 victory over Navy on Monday night in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic.
Playing with four new starters, Texas used a 23-9 run early in the second half to easily pull away from the poor-shooting Midshipmen.
Texas struggled from long range going 4 of 17 on 3-pointers, but dominated under the basket with a 50-30 rebounding edge and held Navy to 30 percent shooting. Free throw shooting, a problem for Texas last season, was still spotty as the Longhorns went 19 of 34.
Gary Johnson had 17 points and 10 rebounds and freshman Tristan Thompson scored 12 points for Texas.
The victory left Texas coach Rick Barnes just three shy of career win No. 500.
Mark Veazey scored 14 points for Navy.
