The No. 4 seeded Texas Longhorns advance to the third (really second) round of the NCAA tournament behind a solid, 85-81, win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The five point margin was maybe not satisfying, but a win in the NCAA tournament should never be taken for granted. Texas advances to play the winner of Arizona and Memphis on Sunday.

The Longhorns led by eight points at the break and stretched the lead to double digits for much of the second half. Oakland's Reggie Hamilton led the comeback bid with some driving buckets but it was too little, too late. Some late turnovers by Texas helped aid the upset bid as well. However, at the end, it was Texas, particularly J'Covan Brown, who sealed the Texas victory from the free throw line.

Texas was led by Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton, who both contirbuted double-doubles. Longhorn fans may not want to hear this but TT made himself some NBA money with a solid performance against 6-11 Keith Benson. Thompson was three blocks short of a triple-double: 17 points, 10 boards, and six seven blocks

Hamilton was also really good--attacked the basket off the dribble, moved well without the ball, and helped control the defensive glass. Jordan went 8-for-17 from the floor, only 0-for-3 from deep, for 19 points, 11 boards, and three assists.

J'Covan Brown was at his best today and was an instant sparkplug off the bench. He was smart with the ball and a clutch 12-for-12 from the free throw line.

PB may be around later for a more complete review. For now, it's a win: survive and advance.

Box Score