Six Straight Wins. . . And Counting

by Peter Bean on Mar 1, 2007 8:27 AM CST in Texas Longhorns Basketball

How apprpriate that as the calendar turns from February to March, we're celebrating a 98-96 victory in one of the best games of the college basketball season. Acie Law, Josh Carter, and Texas A&M put up a whale of an effort last night and deserve mounds of credit for their performance, but it was our young Longhorns who pulled off one of the guttiest victories I've seen in some time.

As a college basketball fan, last night's action was all you could ask for. Both teams played at a high level. The superstars shone under the big lights. There were multiple late game heroics. It was as it's supposed to be, and because Texas emerged on top, we can actually enjoy it. Do you remember the feeling after the thriller in Stillwater? When we tried our best to say, "It was a great basketball game for fans of college hoops," but it didn't feel right - like we were somehow okay with moral victories?

I'm not sure I could have stomached that again this time around. After Acie Law hit that improbable, 23 foot, ceiling-grazing three pointer to send the game to overtime, my head nearly exploded. After Skankaluskus hit a three pointer to bring A&M back into a tie, my head nearly exploded. After Texas blew a four point overtime lead - with more Law superhero feats - my head nearly exploded.

But we still won. We still found a way to win.

Damion James is your Player of the Game (Mortals Division), finishing with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, none bigger than his stuff of Acie Law with 30 seconds left in regulation and Texas up one. James' ability to penetrate and work over Joseph Jones was as critical as anything else in the game, and there's no way Texas wins that game last night if Damion plays anything less than A-level basketball. And, really, Damion James hitting 8 of 9 free throws last night was as clutch as anything anyone else did.

Game ball, also, to DJ Augustin who had one of his best overall games of the year, playing 48 exhausting minutes and recording only two turnovers. His final line - 25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals - was that of a senior, not a freshman. As much as anything else, his ability to maintain that level of high play throughout the game was critical to Texas winning. DJ went to the rim when it was there, and didn't force it when it wasn't. I was tremendously proud of his performance, and if he brings that kind of play to the Dance, Texas can get to the Final Four.

AJ Abrams didn't have a monster night, but he was an effective player for 47 tough minutes (16 points, 4 three pointers, 0 turnovers). In a game with that hectic a pace, you worry that AJ will play outside himself, but he was steady all night long and provided some huge baskets Texas couldn't have won without.

And then, of course, there's Kevin Durant. While the Burnt Orange Nation hopes and prays that there's an encore, if tonight was his farewell show, it was one for the ages. Another 30 point night. 16 monstrous rebounds. A thundering dunk. A stunning, clutch 23 foot three pointer with 20 seconds left in regulation that wound up being critical. Three blocks. Just one turnover. He's your National Player of the Year, and it's not close.

With all those stellar performances, it's easy to forget the conductor of the orchestra, Rick Barnes. AW and I are awfully tough on Rick. Because of what he's done in his time at Texas, we expect, and have come to demand, excellence. When the team falls anywhere short of that mark, we note the deficiencies, sometimes scathingly. Well, not a peep of complaint from us this evening. Only a hearty congratulations to Rick Barnes for directing this team to 12 conference wins - none bigger than last night's.

The improvement on defense, the maturation of Augustin, the explosive development of Damion James, the proper utilization of AJ Abrams - those don't happen on their own. They're the product of a great coach busting his tail to get the most out of his team. He got his team's best last night, and that's what you want from your head coach. Rick: congratulations. I thought 12 conference wins this season was out of reach.

I couldn't be more pleased to be wrong.

We'd be remiss not to mention the tremendous performance from Texas A&M last night. Josh Carter and Acie Law were both phenomenal - the latter nearly decisively so. His heroics in the last five minutes of regulation and both overtimes blew my mind, and just about won the game for Texas A&M. Joking about the Aggies is endless fun (and will, in fact, never end), but if we're just talking basketball - that's a heck of a team.

Winning in Austin when Texas was playing that well is a tall, tall order. They very nearly pulled it off.

Not so, though! Texas wins! Texas wins! Texas wins!

Oh, yeah - it's Thursday. Which means another Texas Basketball Report. What, you thought I'd run out of things to say?

--PB--

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Comments

Acie Law & The Aggies

As much as I hate Texas A&M, I have to give up to Law. He has to be one of the most clutch players I have seen in a long time, he really does have ice water in his veins. Though I despise A&M suceeding at anything other than beastiality, it was nice to enjoy this rivarly game with two top 15 teams.

Hook 'em

by TarHorn on Mar 1, 2007 8:55 AM CST reply actions

What a game!!!

Note to mama: no more liquor during the week. My head hurts...is it 5pm yet?

I am glad I taped it. Now I can watch the last 20 minutes without feeling like I am going to explode.

by crphorn on Mar 1, 2007 9:12 AM CST reply actions

Agreed

I f*&kin' hate Aggie, but Law is about as clutch as clutch comes. Capital C Clutch. I knew they'd get the ball to him for a shot at the right moments, and he never failed. Sick.

I do have to wonder why we didn't foul him at the end of regulation, right before he drained that 3 that took 14 seconds to fall? We had fouls to give - why didn't we put him on the line and force Aggie to miss one and go for a putback?

by Broccoli on Mar 1, 2007 9:18 AM CST reply actions

So how much

better was this than the Ohio State-Wisco game? Big 10=overrated. I tend to think the same thing about the Pac-10 as well.

Gravy Train with biscuit wheels.

by kicker @ Burnt Orange Nation on Mar 1, 2007 9:21 AM CST reply actions

Wow

What a game. I was in a small crowd of Longhorns pretty severely outnumbered at a BW3s in Houston. I about shit myself when Law hit that high arcing three at the end of regulation and again when he hit the one at the end of the 1st overtime. I think I'm done making Acie Law sheepfucker jokes. The kid is obviously being rewarded for a lot of clean living. KD's three just seconds earlier was just as clutch, though. So was his composure in the lane, drawing fouls, hitting his free throws when they mattered. Law definitely dropped some jaws last night, but you can't ignore how big KD is for the Longhorns and how they wouldn't have even been in this game without him.

So we FINALLY have our signature win, getting over that hump late against a good team that's refusing to go down easy. I wouldn't count us out against KU, but even with a loss I think we've punched our ticket for at least a 5-seed in the tourney. Either a win Saturday or a win next Saturday would probably be good enough to bump us up to a 4. If we win our next three games though, regardless of whether or not we win the Big XII championship, I gotta believe we'd scoot into consideration for a 3-seed.

However it shakes out, it's great to see the guys realize their potential and play the kind of basketball we all knew they could. There's still a few areas we can improve and will need to to make a real deep run in the tourney. I like that it seems that Big Dex is getting a little more comfortable with his time on the floor. It would have been nice to see Winder play a little more solidly and earn a few more minutes last night.

I feel good about where we stand right now, and with good reason. It's good to be a Longhorn basketball fan right now.

Hook 'em!

by littlevisigoth on Mar 1, 2007 9:34 AM CST reply actions

Unique Victory

The Horns scored 78 points in regulation, A&M has been holding opponents to 52. A&M only led part of the game and then not by much and never led in over time. The horns scored 98 points against one of the best defensive teams in the US.

The First time this season the Horns played their style of basketball without long scoring droughts or or drops in concentration. This against a bigger, stronger and more experienced team
The Horns were out rebounded and beat up and A&M still hit clutch shots down the wire. The horns could not be stopped even by the Aggies superior defense, the horns ( especially DJ) kept driving and getting fouled and making the Aggies pay by making the foul shots. They played defense well enough to keep them ahead against a team that shot over 50% in 3's.

One more thing, the starting five played most of a fast paced game and still had enough juice in the tank to control the over time periods.
That was one gutsy victory and it was a measure of they're character.
We a so lucky as fans to keep seeing these teams put on these great displays with players with such outstanding talent.

It started with Roger Clemens and goes through Vince Young, Cat Osterman and now Kevin Durant.

xerxes

by Xerxes on Mar 1, 2007 9:42 AM CST reply actions

Question

PB and/or AW,

How likely is a deep run in the NCAA tourney if our starters continue to play 90% or more of every game? When does the fatigue hit?

Also props to the worldwide leader for this box score:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=270590251

Who the hell is Nate Jean-Baptist, and what the hell is he doing coming off our bench?

The degree says TCU, but the heart says "Hook 'em"

by TCU Horn Fan on Mar 1, 2007 9:44 AM CST reply actions

It appears

that JD lewis has changed his name, Is he Muslim?

by billb on Mar 1, 2007 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Who else is glad

that we will not have to see Law in the Drum ever again?

On another note, what is your bench grade?

Big Dex came in a gave us a boost in the first half and played some solid interior D. He had two blocks and two fouls in five minutes.

Connor had some great hustle plays, but also had flashes of bad Connor, plus I think he has a concussion.

Winder played disappointing in his last game in the Drum. He is a great athlete but never could grow into the role player that we wanted him to be.

JD Lewis played his best one minute of basketball of his life, coming up with a big defensive stop and not getting in the way on offense.

I say overall, B, gave us just enough to rest the starters and get the win, but Connor's performance was a little less than we have begun to expect from him.

by Wells on Mar 1, 2007 9:57 AM CST reply actions

i concur

i think the "B" grade about sums it up. i feel the grade could have been borderline "A-" if connor would step up. his one rebound off the missed FT was, i feel, his only bright spot of the game. he slaps at the ball when tring to get a board and he does not mix it up enough in the paint -- throw some bows everyonce in a while. and on the last law freethrow, he was not even ready, looking at the bench, wondering what to do. here you go connor -- BLOCK OUT AND REBOUND!!!! after cursing at the tv on his air ball that did not even hit the net. it was freaking outstanding to see KD take that leader roll, bitchslap connor on the back of the head and yell at him to stepup. CLASSIC. way to go KD. put UT in the SA regional.

by RadLonghorn on Mar 1, 2007 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

Random question

Did anyone else hear the bizarre old-man-moaning sound on TV at the beginning of the game? What the hell was that??

by EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel on Mar 1, 2007 10:17 AM CST reply actions

Yes

It was rather disturbing.

You could only hear it when Texas had the ball because the crowd got quite.

I thought this was the funniest comment about it:
http://www.burntorangenation.com/comments/2007/2/28/192046/157/113#113

by Wells on Mar 1, 2007 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

Interesting how we closed the rebounding gap

by the end of the game, when we were getting killed early on. I always thought Law was not your run-of-the-mill Aggie, and now I have even more respect. In fact, until we meet them again in the NCAA tourney, I'll be rooting for them to make a deep run -- something I would never say about o.u.

by NYCHorn on Mar 1, 2007 10:29 AM CST reply actions

Great game! KD = POY

It took at least 6 months off my life. Acie hitting that 3 was unbelievable. When Durant hit the bomb w/ 20 seconds left I thought the Ags wouldn't be able to recover, but Acie is just an amazing bball player. I hate him.

I thought Mason looked very timid. Several opportunities to drive that he backed away from. When he finally did take it to the rim it was awkward. He did have the responsibility of guarding Law a lot of the night.

Damion James is out of control. If he can continue to knock down the mid-range jumper...yeah, we're a much better team. Did anyone see at the end of the game when he swatted AJ on the ass when they were lining up for Acie's freethrows? AJ was propelled forward about four feet and turned around like he was ready to fight. Damion flat out forgot that AJ only weighs a buck-thirty.

Overall, this was one of the most exciting Horns games I have ever watched. The importance, opponent and implications all weighed in to the excitement leading up to the game. We were all rewarded with an amazing contest.

Lucky bastards to all of those in attendance. Y'all had the drum rocking.

Hook 'em! Beat the rock chalk out of the 'hawks!

by jimmer on Mar 1, 2007 10:33 AM CST reply actions

yeah, i saw the swat on the ass

how random. i thought AJ was laughing, though. i thought it was refreshing to see them joking around after such an intense game, even though it wasn't yet over.

by littlevisigoth on Mar 1, 2007 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

Coaching styles

Consider, for a moment, the difference in the demeanor of Gillispie and Barnes. Gillispie whined and complained through the entire game. He took ever call (or non call) as if he were being personally persecuted by the refs. He wouldn't stay off the court, so one ref had to stand next to his bench to keep him back.

Barnes, on the other hand, seemed focused mostly on his players. When he spoke to the refs, it was to confer. I'm sure he was speaking to them using the language of refereeing and not accusing them of being out to get him. He conducted himself with professionalism and dignity.

There's no doubt which style has the better effect on the officiating. But I would also note that Gillispie's whining probably has an adverse impact on his players. Maybe by fueling resentment, he hopes to get them worked up. But instead he distracts them from the game and provides excuses to fail. Guys like Jones don't mend their ways because they don't think they are really fouling. Aggies are paranoid enough to begin with. The don't need a crying little baby on the courtside making it worse.

by Caradoc on Mar 1, 2007 10:53 AM CST reply actions

It was like a continuation ...

... of the OU game. Watching both those coaches bitch about the officiating ... sickening.

I agree. Rick looks so much more professional by focusing on his players. Also, I would think that when he DOES complain about a call, the refs would be more likely to take notice.

With Gillespie, there's no difference between whining about a blown call and an imagined slight by the refs.

And it spills over onto TexAgs and the behavior of Aggy. Now, keep in mind that these "fans" know very little about basketball, since postseason last year was the first time they had ever watched a game. But they actually believe that the refs "gave" the game to Texas last night. Ugh.

by EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel on Mar 1, 2007 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

My original point

was that regardless of whether the officiating is good or not, the way Gillispie relates to the refs is counterproductive. In the Big 12, There is no way that constant whining will get him more calls. The best he can hope is that the refs will be professional enough not to hold his attitude against him. To 'work' the refs, you must establish credibility. And you can't show them up.

The real damage is the impact on his players. Instead of taking responsibility for their poor play, he allows them to use the officiating as an excuse. Jones has the tools to become an NBA backup, but there is no way he can be drafted because he is seen as foul prone. As long as he blames the refs, he will not learn to control himself.

Gillispie's behavior also fuels the 'poor little me, we don't get any respect' attitude among the fans. And it is again counterproductive. No one respects someone who whines about lack of respect. Conduct yourself with dignity and the respect comes. And this can't be the kind of impression he wants to make on recruits. It is at best CYA to justify the failure that is the sure result of the behavior. Counterproductive.

by Caradoc on Mar 2, 2007 1:20 AM CST up reply actions

i love this about Barnes

he lobbies the refs to no end, but he's not a giant baby about every foul call like gillispie. and he doesn't have a douchebag smirk on his face at all times. he's calm and collected when talking to the refs so they're more likely to take into account what he's saying rather than dismissing it as just another rant.

by billyzane on Mar 1, 2007 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

quit whining about whining

Gillispie is only do everything within his power to create an advantage or get the team on a level playing ground.

Since A&M is new to the world of basketball, we do not get the respect that the elite teams do - therefore, Billy is on the refs' a$$ the entire game demanding excellence in their officiating, much like he demands excellence from his players. often, the scowls or disbelief that is shown is not directed at the refs, but at the players.

and do not even try to dispute the respect that a team is given is based on their reputation and often influences how the game will be called. it is just the same as the case for individual players. i'm not blaming the game on the refs, but for james and durant to play over 40 minutes and neither pick up more than 2 fouls is kind of suprising. 99% of the superstars in the NBA cannot go that long with only 2 fouls.

we all know the Big XII refs are terrible. it just really affects a team like A&M that tries to play tight man-to-man D and I see nothing wrong with Coach Gillispie sticking up for his team.

by WacArnolds on Mar 1, 2007 11:42 AM CST up reply actions

The euphemisms are flowing freely today, I see

By "tight man to man D," I infer you mean "thug-tastic felony molestation"?

The Aggies play VERY physical basketball. That's a sound strategy, but there shouldn't be any surprise when an abundance of whistles rain down on them. Nor should the fanbase be surprised when we collectively roll our eyes at Chicken Wings Gillispie.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Mar 1, 2007 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

i'm not suprised...

by anything the Big XII refs decide to call a foul. i personally look forward to games on neutral courts (NCAA tourney) free of the crap the Big XII sends out in black and white stripes. i accept the fact that our style will draw a lot of fouls, but we still garner little respect, as far as I see it, within the Big XII (of course, my opinion might be biased).

but go ahead and roll your eyes at Gillispie. yesterday, you were praying he leaves for a better job. today you guys think he's a crying baby. funny what a 2pt double-OT win at home, against a team that has two starters miss both OT periods will do for one's opinions.

by WacArnolds on Mar 1, 2007 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

No sir

I've been making fun of Chicken Wings Whineypants since Monday.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Mar 1, 2007 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Big 12 reffs

Call much loser games than most other leagues. If you think the NCAA reffs are going to let you get away with what you did last night, you are in for a big surprise.

by Wells on Mar 1, 2007 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

puuuuuuleeeeeezzze

"against a team that has two starters miss both OT periods"

We could just as easily say your most talented team EVAR couldn't beat a team full of true freshman.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 1, 2007 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

umm?

we did - by 18 - a couple of weeks ago.

by WacArnolds on Mar 1, 2007 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

So

in 3 weeks the Texas freshman have caught up to an Aggie team that is 4 years in the making.

Wake me when Billy G does shit in the tourny.
Someone could be painting a picture of an early round exit this year.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 1, 2007 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

no, not really

its called playing at home vs. playing on the road.

by WacArnolds on Mar 1, 2007 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

Does this same rule apply

to Texas Tech??

by Shake on Mar 1, 2007 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Not to mention

They were on the bench for HACKING like bloodthirsty axe murderers.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Mar 1, 2007 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

ok

i'm gonna quit the commentary on the officiating. no opposing teams ever see it the same way so to argue is pointless.

you beat us. congrats. hopefully we see you again in KC.

by WacArnolds on Mar 1, 2007 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

No

but I am sure there are plenty of un-biased bloggers out there who can tell you that A&M plays hack-tastic basketball. It is a choice that your team makes, and it works, but you can not complain about the reffs calling fouls. That is like deciding that reffs don't call a lot of travels, deciding to take three steps all the times, and then complaining when they call it against you.

by Wells on Mar 1, 2007 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

NCAA stats

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/ranksummary

Aggie is 215th in personal fouls per game. It ranks in order of fewest fouls per game to the most.

I don't know how many teams are in D1a basketball, but that seems like a lot of fouling to me.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 1, 2007 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

A little over 300

So yeah, that's thug-tasticly low (or high - depending on your perception).

by GoHorns on Mar 1, 2007 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

ok

"i accept the fact that our style will draw a lot of fouls, but we still garner little respect, as far as I see it"

Um, if you admit that they are fouls, and they're getting called, as they should be... tell me again how this perceived lack of respect is an issue?

A&M plays an UGLY, UGLY style of basketball. There's a reason that most of their starters are in foul trouble by halftime. And, as far as I can tell, each team on the court is dealing with the same officiating crew.

by SelimSivad on Mar 1, 2007 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

They made sure to leave marks

on Damion James each time he got the ball. I think even the Aggie water boy took turns hand checking James.

They didn't think James could make shots or more importantly, hit free throws. IMO, Gillespie instructed his players to make James earn it. Thus half the Aggie team collects fouls trying to mug him.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 1, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

Fran Frischilla

pointed out on at least thre occasions where jones came down with the ball after "nudging" a player out of the way. That's a foul that went uncalled, so I think Jones and A&M get a lot more respect from the refs than you are willing to admit.

by billb on Mar 1, 2007 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

Even more better....

... is the fact that Duke continues its slide to mediocrity, losing to Maryland again. Soon to be followed by a regular-season-ending demolition at the hands of UNC, followed by a 2nd-round loss in the ACC tournament.

I'm thrilled by the victory over aTm, but watching the Dukies crumble just makes it that much sweeter. So we move up one or two more spots in the rankings if we play Kansas close, don't you think? And I'd have to say as of today this team over-achieves my expectations by a wide margin, even before we head into the post-season.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 1, 2007 11:55 AM CST reply actions

if we're gonna talk about officiating

let's bring up the push in the back on every rebounding situation that wasnt called the entire night

by abcdmetrius on Mar 1, 2007 12:36 PM CST reply actions

AJ's @#!$&!@# floaters...

I only screamed "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" three times during this game. Two were Acie4's 3's, one of which was from crappy D and the other one of which you just can't help. The third was when AJ totally airballed a runner from about 5 feet. Who in their right mind would let him shoot that shot at the end of regulation?

by oregonlonghorn on Mar 2, 2007 12:56 AM CST reply actions