Austin, TX – Texas held off Kansas State in a slim, much-needed win for the Longhorns. Kansas State got here to Austin seeking to stop their two-game slide from turning into a three-game dropping streak, whereas the Longhorns had been aiming to get again on observe after their blowout loss in opposition to the Houston Cougars.
From the beginning, this was a defensive slugfest. Each groups struggled to hit photographs, with a 32% capturing price within the first half, particularly from the three-point line, the place each groups solely managed a mixed three 3-pointers by halftime. Physicality dominated the sport, ultimately resulting in Dai Dai Ames being ejected with a flagrant-2 foul in opposition to Chendall Weaver after he wrapped his arm round Weaver’s head within the second half. The half ended with the Longhorns holding a 27-22 lead.
The second half began out extra of the identical, with each groups struggling to hit photographs till Max Abmas hit a jumper on the 14-minute mark, making him the twelfth participant to achieve 3,000 factors in NCAA historical past. After that, the Wildcats began to warmth up, however the Longhorns refused to allow them to shut the hole. Kansas State did many issues nicely to remain within the sport, particularly on protection; nevertheless, additionally they dedicated 13 turnovers, which damage them badly. Consequently, the Longhorns by no means relinquished the lead and ultimately gained the sport 62-56.
Dylan Disu once more was the star of the night time for the Longhorns as he completed with 20 factors, eight rebounds, three steals and a block. Disu didn’t have his accustomed environment friendly night time we’re used to seeing, however what actually impressed was he completed 10-of-11 on his free throws. After tonight, Disu is now the main scorer for the Longhorns and is having a breakout season, additional bettering his upcoming NBA draft inventory.
I wish to give a fast shoutout to Abmas for hitting the milestone of three,000 factors. Abmas had a quiet night time for the Longhorns however made an influence as a playmaker with 5 assists. Abmas has had an illustrious school profession, and it’s been extraordinarily enjoyable to observe him all through his time in NCAA basketball. Dillon Mitchell had one other strong sport, particularly on the defensive facet of the ball, ending with eight factors, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Personally, I like how Mitchell impacts the sport with out touching the ball, being an absolute menace on protection. His defensive influence jogs my memory of Kawhi Leonard. If he might solely develop the shot that Leonard did within the NBA, Mitchell could be a assured first-round decide with limitless upside.
For the Wildcats, Arthur Kaluma had a strong outing however an inefficient night time. He completed the primary half with 4 factors, capturing 2-of-10 from the sector. Although he completed the night time with 17 factors and 7 rebounds, he bounced again within the second half, however it was not sufficient to assist his crew. Kaluma has improved his capturing this season for the Wildcats however nonetheless lacks versatility on the defensive facet of the ball to enhance his draft inventory. Tylor Perry had a strong night time, filling the stat sheet with 13 factors, three rebounds, 4 assists, and three steals. Nonetheless, his six turnovers handicapped his crew from making this a more in-depth sport. Perry might want to do a greater job taking good care of the ball transferring ahead if the Wildcats hope to shut out the season robust.
Transferring ahead, Kansas State can have the remainder of the week to organize for his or her residence sport in opposition to #25 BYU on Saturday, hopefully to cease the loing skid. Texas will face a serious check this coming Saturday, touring to Lawrence, Kansas, to face the #9 Jayhawks.
This text was written by Matthew Lawyer, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You possibly can comply with us on Fb, or on twitter.
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