The #24 Texas Longhorns (19-8, 8-5) narrowly escaped Texas Tech's upset big on Tuesday night at the Erwin Center, 87-81. The Longhorns basketball team was as lackluster as the crowd on hand to witness the retirement of Kevin Durant's #35 jersey at halftime, inconsistent on offense with Gary Johnson in street clothes and multiple 'Horns in foul trouble, and consistently ineffective on defense.
The good news is Texas won and, thanks to Kansas State's loss at Missouri, is now is sole possession of fourth place in the conference. The inside track to a first round conference tournament bye, which was gained this evening, will be tested this Saturday in Stillwater. Oklahoma State pasted Colorado, 76-55, in Boulder and moved to 7-6 in the Big XII, along with Kansas State. The Cowboys have now won four straight, control their own destiny for fourth place in the conference, and are, shockingly, looking like an NCAA tournament team.
If Texas brings the same effort on Saturday that they brought tonight, they will get beat. Period. Texas was once again poor on defense, especially in finding perimeter jump shooters and limiting dribble penetration. They also had trouble controlling the scrappier Red Raiders on the boards.
Thankfully, the Longhorns showed better energy in the second half, were more efficient on offense, and sank just enough foul shots to come out victorious.
Box Score
Next Game: at Oklahoma State -- Saturday 2/28 5 pm ESPN
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