Preview/Open Thread: Texas A&M Aggies at No. 1 Texas Longhorns
by awiggo on Jan 16, 2010 3:44 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
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PrintTexas A&M Aggies at Texas Longhorns, Jan 16, 2010 5:00 PM CST
Game #17: Texas A&M Aggies (12-4, 1-1) at No. 1 Texas Longhorns (16-0, 2-0)
5:00 pm * Frank Erwin Center (16,734) * Austin, TX
TV: ESPNU * Radio: KVET (98.1 FM)
Game #17: Texas A&M Aggies (12-4, 1-1) at No. 1 Texas Longhorns (16-0, 2-0)
5:00 pm * Frank Erwin Center (16,734) * Austin, TX
TV: ESPNU * Radio: KVET (98.1 FM)
Ken Pomeroy Ratings: Texas #3; Texas A&M #43
Pomeroy Prediction: Texas 83-69
The Texas Longhorns host the Texas A&M Aggies in the first of two games this season. Before the season, the Aggies were picked to finish in the middle of the conference and were a borderline NCAA tournament team. After the season ending leg injury to senior guard, Derrick Roland, a few weeks ago against Washington, A&M will now have a hard time earning that post-season bid.
Under Rick Barnes, Texas is 17-6 against Texas A&M, including a 10-1 mark in Austin. The Longhorns and Aggies have split the season series, with each team winning on their home court, in each of the last five seasons. In the 2003-04 season, Texas won both meetings as A&M went 0-16 in conference.
A&M on the Season
The Aggies sit at 12-4 overall and 1-1 in Big XII play. All four of their losses have come top 100 teams--West Virginia, New Mexico, Washington, and Kansas State. Their two best wins came on a neutral court over Clemson and Minnesota. A&M is just 1-2 in true road games.
A&M by Ken Pomeroy
Statistically, the Aggies are a decent basketball team. They rank 55th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 41st in adjusted defensive efficiency. On offense, the Aggies excel at getting to the free throw line and limiting turnovers. However, A&M is not a great shooting team from two, from three, or from the line and because they start and play a smaller lineup have trouble on the offensive glass.
On defense, the Aggies do nothing exceptionally but nothing poorly either. They are at their best, as most teams are, when they can create some turnovers and limit second chance points by controlling the defensive glass.
More after the jump...
Keys to the Game
1) Play D Without Fouling: Texas A&M is one of the best teams in the country at getting to the free throw line. Free throws account for over 27% of their total points. This number would be even higher if A&M could improve their 65% free throw percentage. With the game in Austin, the crowd and the home whistles should help Texas accomplish this goal.
2) Feed the Post: It will be interesting to see how long A&M attempts to play small with Brian Davis as their only post. I doubt long. Even when Texas A&M puts another big on the court (David Loubeau 6-9, Nathan Walkup 6-7, or Khris Middleton 6-7), Dexter Pittman and Damion James will have huge advantages. If the Texas guards look to Pittman, this is a game in which Dexter could easily dominate. I also expect A&M to play some sagging man-to-man or 2-3 zone. The Longhorns have seen this before and should know how to counter it: attack off the dribble, get to the rim, and finish or kick to an open shooter.
3) Cut off Dribble Penetration: Texas was fantastic at this earlier in the season but has struggled some recently against more talented competition. Courtney Fortson, Cory Higgins, and Alec Burks have given the ‘Horns fits in recent games with dribble penetration. While not supremely talented by any means, A&M's BJ Holmes, Donald Sloan, and Dash Harris all have the quickness to turn the corner and collapse the Texas defense. I have faith in Dogus Balbay and Avery Bradley, but Texas will need stronger performances from J'Covan Brown and Jordan Hamilton on the perimeter for this to turn into a blowout.
4) Speed up the Pace: On the season, Texas plays at the fifth fastest pace in the country. A&M slogs along at the 162nd fastest. Look for Texas to try push the ball in transition off Aggie misses and mix in some full-court traps. If Texas can get the Aggies to run, like most of our opponents, they won't have the gas in the second half.
Other Previews:
TexasSports.com
ESPN.com
Austin American Statesman on Texas depth
Hook ‘em.
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hahah
Great game thread :)
"The best decision I ever made was coming to Texas," James said. "The second-best decision was coming back."
With Roland gone
we can blow A&M out if our guard defense can contain their guards, mainly Sloan and Holmes. If Pittman can stay on the court, he should be able to overpower Davis, their only above-average rebounder.
With our luck, Cincy/ND is going to overtime.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 4:51 PM CST reply actions
There are rumors of OU sucking out there
but nothing disturbing
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:10 PM CST up reply actions
Saw that also
definitely looked like him.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:10 PM CST up reply actions
It's too bad they don't call defensive 3 secs in the paint
seeing how Mason’s man was in the paint the entire possession.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:10 PM CST reply actions
I didn't Danny Glover was playing center for A&M.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Sloppy ball early
fouling, and turnovers
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:13 PM CST reply actions
8-1 A&M
out-hustling us. Davis just rammed into Pittman and scored. Wow.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:17 PM CST reply actions
Well this is brutal...10-1
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Timeout. 10-3 early
A&M is playing physical as usual and we weren’t ready for it. Sloppy with the ball and with our passes.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:20 PM CST reply actions
How'd that work out for us last time?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I don't get it...why are those guys dressed as Vikings?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
The telltale sign our heads aren't right with ball...
Offensive rebounds by the opponent. Just can’t happen.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
We've got the basket surrounded, no question we're going to hit it soon.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Bradley 2 plus the foul
A&M bodies are everywhere.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:28 PM CST reply actions
12-9, 12 min mark
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Davis too strong for Johnson
I’d rather have Wingman on him
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:29 PM CST reply actions
Didn't he get a 5-game suspension for testing positive for Rogaine
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Color commentating at its finest...
“Give A&M credit for playing well in a hostile advantage.”
ESPNU gold.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
You're definitely getting your cable-dollar's worth.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Sounds like hostile environment is the catch phrase of the day
It's a Horns' world. Even Aggies play hoops with a burnt orange ball.
Ugly game as predicted
both teams shooting under 30% early. 14-9 A&M
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:33 PM CST reply actions
"What can J'Brown do for you?"
That’s gold, Jerry, gold.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
STILL you come with that crap???
Still a Blaine Irby fan
by patienthornsfan on Jan 16, 2010 5:39 PM CST up reply actions
The Aggies can't dribble and we can't shoot.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
A&M just too physical for us
KSU blew them out because they have talented guards that can shoot from outside. We don’t have that right now. If you go inside, you will lose the ball, and we can’t make FTs well even if we get fouled. We have to get some outside shots from Bradley, James, Hamilton, Lucas, and Brown.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:39 PM CST reply actions
We're not grabbing offensive rebounds
It's a Horns' world. Even Aggies play hoops with a burnt orange ball.
Texas 5 of 22 including several point blank misses...we're still #1 though.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Rebounding is the issue right now
Nothing pisses me off more than someone jacking up a 3 and skipping backward like they know it’s going in. Get under the basket and get in position to rebound.
Who do these Aggies think they are...Corpus Christi A&M?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Johnson makes both FTs
Pittman struggling to make shots inside but gets fouled there.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:43 PM CST reply actions
Goingforthecorner
You’re doing great with the updates and all, but maybe somebody else should take that job to turn things around
38-14, here come the Cards.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I've seen the Saints blow a 24 point second half lead to Kurt Warner in the playoffs
Well, almost blow it
Weathering the storm
A&M getting called for fouls all over the place. Our depth could get us the win in the 2nd half.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:46 PM CST reply actions
They know all they need to do is beat the hell out of Dex
He’ll miss the shot and 7 times out of 10, he’ll miss the free throws.
Pittman is huge inside tonight. He has about a half-dozen blocks.
Keeping their lead within spitting distance.
28-18, 5 min. mark
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Did he lateral it to himself?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Laughable, I wonder what Barnes is thinking
He probably just wants this half to end ASAP.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:48 PM CST reply actions
Everybody have fun tonight. Everybody Wangmene tonight.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I hope peopleofwalmart.com was there for Bama trophy showings
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I can't believe the Saints are blowing them out
They were looking pretty bad to end the regular season.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:51 PM CST reply actions
Well
They haven’t been healthy for the last 8 weeks and haven’t really played a meaningful game since the Pats put them 10-0 with a 5 game division lead
Credit to them for "turning on the switch"
lot of people say that’s hard to do. You want to enter the postseason with a ton of momentum.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:54 PM CST up reply actions
And then gets blocked by the backboard... smh
We’re down 13.
Johnson off. rebound and putback.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:53 PM CST up reply actions
Much needed three by Brown.
8 pt game. I’ll be happy if we can go to the break down by single digits.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:54 PM CST reply actions
Finally...first 3 we hit all night with 1 minute left in first half.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
And then the Aggies hit one...son of a bitchhhhhhhhhhh
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Easy to see what A&M's strategy is on defense
Slap everything that comes through the lane.
36-27 bag guys at the half...but this just in, we're still #1.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
good d on the final possession.
hopefully we will have a little bit more touch on our close range shots in the 2nd half.
Hafltime. 36-27 Ags
doesn’t look like we’ll eclipse 90 today.
Not surprised to see them muscle us inside and on the boards. But giving up open threes is completely inexcusable, and it’s way the game isn’t more even.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:56 PM CST reply actions
Justin.tv sucks
At least for me. Feed is way too slow. Damn ESPN for not putting it on ESPN360.
Good signs at the half: nice job from J’Covan and Gary despite none of our stars showing up so far. Hopefully will turn around in second half.
Johnson and Brown keeping us in the game, 17 pts combined
Rest of the team combined? 10 points. Thank god for depth.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 5:58 PM CST reply actions
Shouldn't you be working on your punt game?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Well, Leach is available for consulting.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
OK just got back
I was trying to follow on gamecast. why are we missing? Is aggie defending well or is there a lid on the basket? I will go open the stout. we should be fine.
Here's proof how every basket is a struggle
We only have 1 assist. That’s a sign of unorganized play.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:00 PM CST reply actions
Not positive, but I think that Brown 3 pointer was the only outside shot we hit all half.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Just half ass actually.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
by 54b on Jan 16, 2010 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Sadly, no...A&M is just that bad...lots of unforced turnovers.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
alright. the worst is behind us.
a lousy first half and beergut dropped by. it’s all sunshine from here on out.
It kills me to see Balbay wide open for three, knowing he won't get the ball
At least try to get an offensive rebound or something.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:13 PM CST reply actions
Masonic Dunk
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Pittman makes both FTs
8 pt game. We need a stop.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:16 PM CST reply actions
Full court press, here we go.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Still can't short worth a shit, but we're going to the hole and drawing fouls.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
short or shoot, agree to disagree
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Much better defensive intensity
but they still got an open 3 and missed fortunately.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:18 PM CST reply actions
Wow how is Pittman not fouled there
Pittman still without a single field goal!!!
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:18 PM CST reply actions
Davis is just eating Pittman's lunch...and that ain't no Luann Platter.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Dex has to quit anticipating fouls and go up stronger
But it would help if the refs would act like they noticed that he got clobbered from behind.
Still can't cut into the lead.
10 point game. I don’t know why Balbay is even playing in this game to be honest.
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:20 PM CST reply actions
There is no urgency, no fire...I think Ricky sent the team brownies before the game.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Damo-aregato, for 3
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Texas is just get out-worked all over the court.
Once they start playing with some effort, they’ll take control of the game.
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Pitmann pissing me off
he is playing like a fat baby. not playing aggressive at all
COACH BOOM BABY!!
He just looks slow out there.
Davis looks a step quicker.
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Think Damo just got away with a charge...home court whistle.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I'll have to see the replay on that
I’m not even sure if what they called was a block. It seemed the ref was calling a hack on someone else.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
That's what the called
The foul was on Walkup. He slapped Damo’s wrist before the charge.
Well he did ask James to turn his head and cough before he shot.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Not sure if we can even put a run on this team, too tough
and we can’t buy a 3pter
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:26 PM CST reply actions
Imagine how many times we're going to hear about how Garrett Gilbert came into the NC game next year.
I’m thinking they’ll mention it every game.
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
OMFG
is this gonna be the theme of this yr…anytime Texas plays on tv they are gonna show the BCS NC??
COACH BOOM BABY!!
Yes, ESPN
Alabama “rolled,” down only three with three minutes left, the ball, and a freshman QB. Yep. Alabama sure won easily.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 6:27 PM CST reply actions
Walkup misses huge three, need a score here
by goingforthecorner on Jan 16, 2010 6:27 PM CST reply actions
Lead down to 5
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Stupid off ball foul on Jai
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
at least he's playing hard though
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
In other news
right now ESPN and SI both have the exact same pic and headline on their front pages. never seen that before.
Down by a duece
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Dare I say it...Damo en fuego
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
They're playing it a lot
I had only seen it once before this game.
Somebody get Pittman a Klondike Bar cuz he ain't doin it for us right now.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Agreed
He did not come to play today, blocks not withstanding.
Did you get that 800# for Life Alert...I missed it.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I thought of the Rose Bowl.
What, too soon?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Stupid foul by Wangmene
In a game like this that could come down to free throws, you have to be more disciplined than that. Both teams now in the bonus with 10+ minutes to play.
god, i hate a&m's brand of basketball.
…and these refs make it even worse when they can’t call a consistent game.
Crap, gotta run.
Bring it home for me.
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
We got lucky there
But nice move by Damion.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 6:47 PM CST reply actions
"He went around Harris like he was standing still"
Probably because he was standing still…Sweet move Damo!
They want it more
Everyone except DaMo is standing around
It's getting annoying
But I’ll put up with it if it lets Damion catch his breath.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 6:51 PM CST up reply actions
Damn
Grab the ball and quit slapping it around
54-52 aggy
just under 4 to play; TO to clean up the floor under the basket
Only 2 or 3
He hasn’t been in foul trouble. Just not playing.
They're going to try out FT us
They are just slapping at whoever has the ball. Better man up and make some shots
Who is going to help DJ out? Balbay needs to drive to the basket. someone make an outside shot.
If we can take the lead we knock the air out of the pooooor agggiiieess
I bet the Media Buyer at the SI ad agency is going to get an email on Monday.
Dude, why did you spend all of our airtime ad dollars on the Texas-aTm bb game. Don’t you know who Bama played in the MNC?
Good news is we get to shoot 2 on every foul
Bad news is, refs aren’t giving us any fouls
....
That was a horrific offensive possession. Absolutely horrific.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:10 PM CST reply actions
That wasn't a blocked shot
That was a foul. But horrible decision by Jai.
That really wasn't the best shot...
But it went in. I’ll take it.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:11 PM CST reply actions
Desperately need a stop here
I know. Captain Obvious.
Bradley probably should have passed that off to James
But someone should have made a shot regardless
Holy crap, are you kidding me?
Use the glass, use the glass.
My high school coach always told us, use the glass or dunk it
And since I couldn’t dunk it, my choice was obvious.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:14 PM CST up reply actions
Fine. That's fine.
I like our chances in OT.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:13 PM CST reply actions
You didn't miss our first lead of the game.
THERE it is! 62-60.
by HornPossessed on Jan 16, 2010 7:16 PM CST up reply actions
This is completely embarassing!!!!
I dread monday regardless of the outcome ( work with alot of ags)
just dreading the overated nonsense
and Im the only horn in the office
he is putting pretty good pressure as well as good recovery
i have no idea what u tlaking about..that possession was unfortunate cuz balbay knocked the ball right back to a&m player.
I assume you are talking about sloan’s 3 pointer
COACH BOOM BABY!!
I might have heard something about that tonight.
I’LL GO LOOK IT UP!!
by HornPossessed on Jan 16, 2010 7:20 PM CST up reply actions
I'll take that shot from Bradley
Good look.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:20 PM CST reply actions
64-63 Texas, 2:18 to play
Gary Johnson at the FT line
I think it was a "last straw" call
Davis and Dex have been mouthing off at each other all game, and I think the refs finally had enough.
Johnson gets 1 FT
Texas up 2; 1:53 to play; TO aggy
since Davis is now gone...
lets make sure they dont shoot the three and stop Sloan
FTs, FTs, FTs, FTs
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
Damnit, Brown should have dished to trailing Gary for the exclamation mark.
But Brown ices the game.
His snot was hand sanitizer
for whatever was on the hands on the Aggie coaches
That game sucked, but I think we needed
Now sit back and watch aggy talk about how they would’ve beaten us with Roland.
Whew!
love me some Dogus. And again, soooo glad Damo is still here.
by Infield Elephant on Jan 16, 2010 7:33 PM CST reply actions
Gary Johnson
was pretty solid until the last min or so
by Infield Elephant on Jan 16, 2010 7:34 PM CST up reply actions
Sometimes, you have to win ugly
Especially against a team who really tries to play ugly.
by TheElusiveShadow on Jan 16, 2010 7:34 PM CST reply actions
Game
This shit sucks. I’m tired of struggling against retarded little brother, who will now be moral victorious till we get to Reed.
Hook ’em anyway.
Poor Beergut
had his ‘open game thread’ all to himself. Out of 114 comments, all but 4 were his.
Beergut, join us next time. You are always welcome here. It would be fun.
Quite possibly the dumbest drinking game ever
]I drank each time they said Damion James in the scond half and I can still use correct grammar and punctuation. W00t! Then again, I can’t feel half my body, but hey I LOVE ME SOME TEXAS LONGHORNS! Hook’em Horns!
TEXAS FIGHT
Looking at my post
I stand corrected. I still messed up some, but hey, rum is too delicious to worry about typosl
TEXAS FIGHT
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