1st half
Texas did a decent job in the 1st half but could not close out the half, which allowed the Kansas State defense to take advantage of Texas turnovers. This led to a 12-2 run by Kansas State that gave the Wildcats a 3 point lead into the half. Again, that’s nothing in the long run of a game but it definitely matters how the Texas Longhorns start the first 4 minutes of the second half.
2nd half‘”
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[*]Under 16 TO. The lead is still 3 points but I see the Longhorns driving, making plays and forcing Kansas State to move. That’s going to be crucial in getting a potential victory.
[*]Texas keeps trying to cut the lead, yet Kansas State just keeps scoring. Going up by 4 or 5 at times. If you are Shaka Smart, this must be extremely frustrating.
[*]Texas gets a 1 point lead at the Under 4 TV timeout. Texas needs to close.
[*]The Longhorns have taken control with a 55-50 lead! Wow.
[*]Connor Lammert hits a big 3 to make it a 6 point lead, then Kansas State answers with a 3 of their own. 3 point UT lead.
[*]Isaiah Taylor goes to the free throw line, hits 1 of 2 for Texas to hold a 4 point lead.
[*]With 21 seconds to go, Javan Felix fouls Iwandu for his 4th foul. Iwandu hits both.
[*]Kansas State fouls Isaiah Taylor and sends him to the line. Taylor misses the first but makes the second. Timeout Texas with a 3 point lead. I expect the Wildcats to go for the quick 2 pointer. If you miss, likely Ibeh or Lammert at the line who have struggled all season.
[*]Kansas State gets two opportunities but fails to convert and the clock runs out. Texas gets it first Big 12 win of the season.
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Final – Texas 60, Kansas State 57
Epilogue
Life in the Big 12….. You will have to grind it out every game to get the win. Kansas State had a grip on the game but the Longhorns worked hard and took advantage of their opportunities. I said in my game preview that the Bigs (Ibeh and Cleare) had to get 10 points, 15 rebounds and stay out of foul trouble to win basketball games in the Big 12. So how did they perform? 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 total fouls. The two bigs were perfect from the field. Obviously, the bigs are not very good at free throws but that’s something Texas will deal with all season. Connor Lammert was also great with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
Isaiah Taylor needs to stay out of foul trouble. He’s proven himself to be a strong 2nd half player, there’s no question about that. However, the more points Taylor gets in the 1st half, the more points Texas scores in the game. A nice return for Demarcus Holland saw the senior guard add 4 points in 29 minutes. Most importantly, the Texas Longhorns showed swagger and didn’t panic when shots weren’t falling and stayed with the game plan. They notched a big win.
The Longhorns (9-5, 1-1) will travel to Fort Worth to play the much improved TCU Horned Frogs (8-6, 0-2) on Saturday in hopes of winning their 2nd-straight Big 12 matchup.
