Cowboys stop Longhorns win streak at 4

Texas rolled into Stillwater on Saturday afternoon looking to win their 5th straight game, but they ran into a more focused, more alert Oklahoma State team than the one they had seen in Austin a few weeks back.  Texas started the game slowly just like they have started all games in conference this year, and Oklahoma State would make them pay for it.  Led by Keiton Page, the Cowboys took advantage of Texas’ early defensive lapses and jumped out to an early lead they would never relinquish.  Mental errors and an inability to guard Keiton Page caused the Longhorns dearly on Saturday.  Time after time, Page was able to bait the taller Longhorn defenders to leave their feet with his shot fake.  He would then go into his jump shooting motion with the defender helplessly crashing into him in the air.  Page, along with Williams, Nash and Brown attacked the Longhorns early.  They were more aggressive, and the discrepancy in free throw shooting shows that.  Texas would fight back in the 2nd half, but would come up short.  The loss puts Texas back in the bubble conversation.  You would think the Longhorns would be safe after 4 straight wins, but that isn’t the case.  Texas will have 2 more chances as that signature win, as they take on Baylor tonight and Kansas on March 3rd.

Despite the loss, Texas got strong performances from freshmen guards Myck Kabongo and Sheldon McClellan.  Kabongo scored a career high 22 points, and McClellan scored 15 points off the bench.  Texas even got an unexpected boost Sterling Gibbs off the bench.  If the Longhorns can continue to get that kind of offensive production from its guard, they will be just fine.  The loss to OSU is not as bad as it seems seeing that it took a career night from Page and for OSU to shoot over 50 free throws to get the win.  I don’t see another team being able to do that against the Longhorns this year.  Texas needs to get more from their big men.  Alexi Wangmene didn’t score and only grabbed 1 rebound in 12 minutes of play.  Clint Chapman took wild shots, committed dumb fouls and got beat on the glass time after time.  Texas will need its 2 Senior big men to play better if the Longhorns are to finish the season strong.

What Lies Ahead for Texas:

Baylor comes to Austin for a Big Monday showdown.  The Bears are on a downward spiral, and the Longhorns desperately need a win.

Keys to Success for Texas:

– Control the glass: Rebounding will be key against a much bigger Baylor team.  Texas will need to box out and secure rebounds.

– Make shots: Texas cannot continue to shoot poorly from the field and rely on it’s defense.  That has gotten them in trouble all season long.

– Start fast: Baylor is in a downward spiral.  Texas needs to come out of the gate and get up early.  If Texas can start fast and get an early lead, Baylor has shown they will go away.

Games Notes:

– Myck Kabongo led Texas with a career high 22 points.

– J’Covan Brown added his usual 20 points

– Sheldon McClellan continued his strong scoring performances with 15 points off the bench.