Texas handles Vandy 72-58 in Big 12-SEC Challenge Game

Chris Flanagan’s notes and thoughts from Texas’ 72-58 win over Vanderbilt.

Four Texas players scored in double figures and the Longhorns held off a late run by the Vanderbilt Commodores to win 72-58 in the Big 12 – SEC Challenge.

Player of the game

Prince Ibeh

A month ago it would have been crazy to think Prince Ibeh would be a game-changer for the Texas Longhorns. Fast-forward to mid-January and Ibeh has become a force that opposing teams cannot discount anymore. Ibeh had a double-double against the Commodores, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He was a defensive juggernaut in the win and his two monster throw-down jams helped establish a dominating presence in today’s game.

Key moment of the game

Early in the game, the Longhorns and Commodores were tied 3-3. The ‘Horns then went on a 9-0 run to go up 12-3 and never looked back. 3-point shooting kept the Commodores in the game but they never inched within 3 possessions against the Texas.

Epilogue

This was a complete game for the Texas Longhorns. Prince Ibeh has established himself as someone the Longhorns can rely on. Isaiah Taylor is playing well but his scoring totals have fallen over the last handful of games. Other players like Kerwin Roach and Eric Davis have stepped up and provide multiple scoring threats the Longhorns can count on. The Longhorns are peaking at the right time and they are becoming an elite team. Freshman guard Kerwin Roach notched his first double-double of his career at Texas, scoring 15 points and hauling in 11 rebounds.

We will find out on Monday night if Texas is an elite team on Monday, as the Longhorns travel up I-35 to play the Baylor Bears. In the interim, Texas fans can rest assured this team has talent that will propel them into the NCAA Tournament field in March.

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Game Photos