Chris Flanagan’s Game Notes and Thoughts
1st Half
First Media TO: Texas 4 Stanford 0.
Javan Felix has 2 fouls already and is likely out for the rest of the 1st half. We need to see a heavy dose of Kerwin Roach in the rest of the half. Texas is using the pressure well. Roach made an amazing steal off the pressure to Connor Lammert for 2 points and a 9-2 lead.
Stanford already in the bonus with 13:40 left in the 1st half. The Longhorns certainly live and die by havoc sometimes.
Under 12 TO: 16-7 Horns.
This team seems more loose and boasts a ton of confidence since the North Carolina win. Isaiah Taylor is the true leader of this team with 7 points.
So the CBS sportstracker at the Under 12 TO has the Longhorns up 16-7 but the ESPN graphics say 15-7. The referees reviewed Tevin Mack’s 3 and called it a 2. So officially it’s 15-7.
Isaiah Taylor is on fire. 13 points by the 8 minute mark of the 1st half. Dorian Pickens of Stanford with 10 points and being a force to be reckoned with. Lots of turnovers by both teams.
Under 4 TO: Texas leads 35-31. The only reason this game is close is because of the 3 point shooting of the Cardinal. Texas’ 3 point shooting is much better. Shaka Smart decides to put in Javan Felix with 28 seconds to go with the ball. It’s a small risk but worth it.
Halftime: Texas up 41-35.
*1st half thoughts: *
*This is Isaiah Taylor’s team. Without him, the Longhorns are not the same. 16 points at the half tells you all you need to know. His presence on the floor opens up everyone else. A very guard heavy half for the Longhorns with 35
of the team’s 41 points. Javan Felix has 0 points but considering he picked up 2 fouls before the first media timeout suggests that was the issue. If the Longhorns keep up the pressure, they will notch a huge road win.
*2nd Half*
Apparently both teams start slow at the beginning of the half.
Under 16 TO: Texas up 49-42.
The Longhorns aren’t losing steam which is good to see if you are a Texas fan. Kerwin Roach is shining tonight in California.
Cameron Ridley with AUTHORITY!!
Under 12 TO: Texas up 54-47.
Roscoe Allen is doing his best to keep Stanford in the game but Texas has an answer every time they get close.
Under 8 TO: Texas up 61-51.
Aggressive play by the Longhorns is paying off. Stanford is getting frustrated at the lack of no calls and Texas looks like they can just keep playing. At this point in the game, Texas is 1-5 from the free throw line. That’s just plain bad.
Stanford is closing in. Only down 4 with 4 minutes to go.
Under 4 TO: Texas up 64-60.
I know, it looks like last year’s Longhorns team that finds a way to grab defeat from the jaws of victory. It’s a legit
fear. Now, let’s see if it comes to fruition.
Cameron Ridley using his size to power himself for a crucial 2 points.
Stanford answers and still a 4 point game.
Cameron Ridley is not boxing out Michael Humphrey and he is just having his way with Ridley.
Felix with a costly errant pass resulting in a turnover and Michael Humphrey slams it home to cut the
lead to 2 points.
Taylor gets fouled, goes to the line and knocks down both – ‘Horns hold a 4 point lead.
Eric Davis goes to the line, misses and Connor Lammert fouls to send Stanford to the line. That was an uncharacteristic play by the reliable Lammert.
Stanford ties the game. Unbelievable.
WOW. Isaiah Taylor does what he does best. Clutch. 75-73 Texas.
Texas holds on and wins.
*Final: Texas 75. Stanford 73.*
*Final thoughts*
A win is a win. However, if Texas plays like this in Big 12 contests and lets a conference opponent back in the game, it will be over fast. You can get away with it at Stanford but not anywhere in the Big 12. Isaiah Taylor had a tremendous game, scoring 26 points with 6 assists. Kerwin Roach stepped up big tonight with 14 points. However, the 3 point defense is still really lax and hasn’t changed much since last year. The free-throw percentage is very bad. This team should rely on the Havoc play that was on display tonight and that should give them a good chance in Big 12 play.
