A lackluster game by both teams ended up in the favor of the Texas Longhorns as they defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 62-50 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Player of the Game
Kerwin Roach Jr.
Snoop finally makes it into this category as he was the primary reason the Longhorns were able to win this game. 9 of Roach’s 15 points came on a 16-2 run to end the game. He was aggressive and fought for his shots. He did make a few mistakes but when the game was on the line, he went out and delivered for the Texas Longhorns.
Turning point of the game
With 5:30 left in the game, tied at 48 a piece.
Chris Olivier went in for a lay up but Prince Ibeh, playing with 4 fouls, emphatically blocked the ball. The ball went straight to Demarcus Holland and on a fast break, Isaiah Taylor gets the easy layup. Oklahoma State only scored two points after that play.
That block changed the game.
Epilogue
Texas needed this win to ensure a favorable seeding in the NCAA Tournament. They are likely going to be a 5-7 seed and a bad loss would more than likely push the ‘Horns closer to a 7 seed.
Now the focus turns to Kansas City. Texas finishes at 11-7 in Big 12 play. Iowa State and Baylor both sit at 10-7 and both face Kansas and West Virginia respectively. If both lose, Texas wraps up the 4 seed and will likely play Baylor. If TCU can shock the world and beat Oklahoma, the Longhorns potentially could be the 3 seed. If both Iowa State and Baylor win their games, Texas will be the 6 seed playing Oklahoma.
If Texas can pick their poison, who should they want? I would say Baylor. Baylor embarrassed them in the last game in Austin. Texas will be ready this time and win the season series 2-1. Oklahoma is a good matchup for Texas but Oklahoma will be pushing hard to win the Big 12 tournament to have a chance at a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Texas should want Baylor and then Kansas in the semifinals. Maybe they get lucky, make a run and win the tournament. No Big 12 seeded lower than 4th has ever won the Big 12 tournament so a 4 seed would give the Longhorns a chance.
The Big 12 Basketball Tournament begins on March 9 in Kansas City, Missouri.
