Texas slopped its way to an 82-54 win over Texas Pan-American on Tuesday night. The margin of victory looks impressive, but I doubt many of the 6,548 fans walked away raving about this team. The Horns led by just nine at halftime and let the Broncs hang around in the second half before pulling away.
Texas was led again by our dominating frontcourt. Three Horns finished with double-doubles. Lamarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 11 rebounds. PJ Tucker scored 19 points and grabbed 11 boards. And Mike Williams, who was starting for the second game in a row for an injured Brad Buckman, added 10 points and 10 rebounds. The backcourt did not play as well. UT Pan-American played a 2-3 zone for almost the entire game. They successfully surrounded our post men making it difficult for Aldridge and Williams to touch the ball. Consequently, we jacked threes. The Horns shot 2 for 12 from behind the arc in the first half and only 5 for 21 for the game.
If there is a weakness on this Texas team, it is our outside shooting. I've said it before, Texas' opponents would be smart to play a 2-3 zone, just like Pan-American did, to take away the inside and force the Horns to score from the outside. Texas looked lethargic last night after their most impressive game of the year last Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe. The Horns are going to be amazing this year, but we must find ways to score against half court zone defenses. Texas' next game is Saturday at 5 PM against UT Arlington.
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