Horns dominate 2nd half in 71-57 win over Iowa

[HornSports Staff]

Texas 71 – Iowa 57

1st Half: Iowa 30 – Texas 24

• The Horns did not look ready to play, letting the Hawkeyes race out to a 10-2 lead to start the game. Texas slept through the first 5:00, playing little defense.
• The story on offense in the first half was a complete lack of rhythm. Entry passes were too slow, spacing was poor, and the entire team seemed content to watch whoever had the ball instead of running offense.
• The Longhorns were turnover machines – 10 in the first 20 minutes.
• Most offensive possessions needed an additional pass.
• Iowa dominated ‘hustle plays’ throughout the half, and it really showed up in the rebound column.

2nd Half: Texas 47 - Iowas 27

• Johnathan Holmes went on an 8-2 run to start the half and tied the game before Iowa knew what hit them.
• Texas made more shots in the first 9:30 of the 2nd half (11) than they did in the entire 1st half (10).
• With less than 7 minutes to go in the half, Iowa still did not have any points in the paint.
• Isaiah Taylor drove to the rim at will throughout the half. The team’s offensive run in the first five minutes spread the Hawkeyes out on defense and Taylor took advantage.
• Scary moment at 2:06 when Taylor hit the floor hard after a flagrant foul. That’s the player that Texas can least afford to lose to injury. Trainers were working on his left wrist after he went to the bench.

Top takeaways

1. It was truly a tale of two halves. Several of the bad habits from recent seasons reared their head in the first stanza, only to have the team play with urgency and use their athleticism in the second half.

2. After shooting only 32% in the opening 20:00, Texas ran away on 61% shooting in the 2nd half. It was the same story when they cut the turnovers in half in the second period. (10 in 1st to 5 in 2nd).


The stat story

After scoring just 2 points in the first half, Jonathan Holmes ripped the Hawkeyes for 17 points in the second half. Holmes’ ball fake that was followed by a drive and dunk was the play of the game for the Horns.


Looking ahead

Texas will play the winner of the California vs Syracuse in the championship game on Friday night. The game is slated to tip at 6:30 CST. Syracuse is the favorite in the second game, and Texas would face a hostile crowd on Friday if the Orange beat the Bears. 

 

[monarch]

all day... all night!​

 

[Bear19]

Did not get to see the game so thanks for the write up.Let us know about the injury situation as soon as you can.

 

[utisdabomb12]

Syracuse is struggling, still early though. 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Just exchanged messages with someone with the team in NYC. The medical staff is still running tests on Taylor's wrist. It will be morning before they know anything conclusive.

 

[utisdabomb12]

Cal demolishes Syracuse. Cal has some shooters but once against we should have a significant size advantage. 

 

[dillohorn]

Let's get some of this 2nd half domination to rub off on the Horns football offense.

 

[Juan]

Taylor is out vs. Cal.

Wrist.

That was a bad foul.  I was somewhat perplexed at the way Saunders was defending the Iowa player on that.  

I guess we will be seeing alot more Felix.