The Texas Longhorns basketball team was 2-2 in conference matchups prior to today’s game against Iowa State and needed an NCAA tournament resume win to show up on the selection committee’s radar. Many thought the 86-83 win over Top-25 ranked North Carolina would be the win that turned heads but in looking forward, it might not be as favorable as it appeared back in December. Â The Tarheels are 1-3 in conference play and tied for 10th in the ACC standings. Texas had a chance today to earn a tournament-quality win against the 8th ranked Iowa State Cyclones in Austin.
It was a tight game in the last handful of minutes but the Longhorns walked away with a huge win, sending a statement to Big 12 teams that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Turning Point of the Game
The Cyclones hung around in the second half but the Longhorns pulled away with 53 seconds left in the game when the Texas scored the final 5 points to claim a double digit win.
Player of the game -Â Jonathan Holmes
Jonathan Holmes had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He was a dominant force and showed why he is the leader of this Texas Longhorns squad.
EpilogueÂ
Texas notched win over a quality basketball program to improve to 3-2 in the Big 12. Next the Longhorns will play the Kansas State Wildcats at home on Tuesday night. The Wildcats have lost only one game on the season and are looking to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the Big 12. Texas should celebrate the big win over Iowa State, as they deserve it, but Kansas State and Baylor loom on the schedule next week.
