After cruising to a win over Eastern Illinois Wednesday night, Texas found itself facing some adversity Friday night in El Paso against Arkansas in the Armed Forces Classic. Despite a shooting slump in the second half that included nearly 9 minutes without a field goal, the Longhorns pulled out a 73-71 victory over the Razorbacks. The victory moves Texas to 2-0 on the season.
After sitting out the season opener due to a suspension, Kerwin Roach led the Longhorns with 18 points, including the game tying three pointer at the end of regulation. Roach also added 11 rebounds and 2 assists. It was a quiet night for PG Matt Coleman, who finished the evening with 2 points and 4 assists in 24 minutes. As a team, the Longhorns shot a putrid 31% from the field and 32% from deep.
It appeared the Razorbacks were going to pull out a close victory late in the second half when Daniel Gafford headed to the free throw line for two shots and Arkansas leading 62-60 with 10 seconds remaining. Gafford made the first attempt, but missed the second. Roach grabbed the rebound and sprinted down floor before nailing a 3-pointer to knot the game at 63.
In overtime, the two teams traded blows before freshman Courtney Ramey hit a floater with 49 seconds left to pull Texas ahead 72-71. Ramey finished the game with 10 points and played a key role after Coleman fouled out in overtime. Elijah Mitrou-Long added a free throw with 22 seconds left and the Longhorns survived a frantic final possession from Arkansas that included several good looks around the basket and a missed three pointer as time expired.
Texas will return to action on Monday at the Erwin Center against Louisiana Monroe. The game will tip off at 7 PM and be broadcasted on LHN.
