Game 17: Texas Longhorns (12-4, 2-1) at Missouri Tigers (15-1, 2-1)

Saturday, January 14, 2012 · 12:00 p.m. CT

Mizzou Arena · Columbia, MO

TV: ESPN2 (Dave O'Brien, Stephen Bardo) · Radio: 1300 AM / 98.1 FM

Ken Pom Projection: 76-67 Missouri (68 Tempo)

Game Preview: TexasSports.com, Longhorn Road Trip

Game 13: Texas Longhorns (10-3, 0-0) at Iowa State Cyclones (10-3, 0-0)

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 · 8:00 p.m. CT

Hilton Coliseum · Ames, IA

TV: ESPNU (Mitch Holthus, Miles Simon) · Radio: 1300 AM / 98.1 FM

Ken Pom Projection: 71-67 Texas (67 Tempo)

Game Preview: Burnt Orange Nation; Longhorn Road Trip; TexasSports.com

Going into this game it was clear that Texas would need to play a near-perfect, if not perfect, game in order to steal a victory in Chapel Hill. It was not to be. #5/6 North Carolina displayed their full arsenal of talent and easily handled Texas, 82-63. .

Texas was outmanned at every position. While the Longhorns are competing this season without their three best players and NBA first rounders from a year ago, Roy Williams was blessed with the decisions of John Henson, Tyler Zeller, and Harrison Barnes to return to school. All three are future pros and their experience and skill was on full display in the blow-out victory.

And, honestly, if it wasn't those three, the rest of the Tar Heels are as good as this year's version of the Longhorns. Kendall Marshall, PJ Hairston, Reggie Bullock, and James McAdoo are also all future NBA players. Needless, to say this was going to be a tough hill to climb and a real test of where this young Texas team really is.

Before I get into a few comments player by player, I caution all Longhorn fans not to read more into this blow-out loss to one of the best teams in the country than what we "learned" in blow-out wins to teams from the Southland Conference. Texas is not an elite basketball team this season, like North Carolina clearly is, nor should the ‘Horns be ignored either. This is a very young team, with six freshmen among only nine contributors, that still has lots of room to grow.

This was a whooping, no question about it. Join me after the jump to find a few positives and some thoughts player by player.

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Game 11: Temple Owls (6-2) vs Texas Longhorns (8-2)
Saturday, December 17, 2011 · 1:30 p.m. CT

Frank Erwin Center · Austin, TX

TV: ESPN2 (Mary Jones & Fran Fraschilla) · Radio: 1300 AM / 98.1 FM

Ken Pom Projection: 71-65 Texas (66 Tempo)

Game Preview: Burnt Orange Nation

The Texas Longhorns are back to their winning ways. The ‘Horns used a late game stretch to pull away from Sam Houston State and improve to 3-2. The win, 56-40, snapped a two game losing streak after blowing second half leads to Oregon State and NC State in New Jersey.

If you weren't able to make it to the Erwin Center on Saturday night or don't have a cable provider who carries the Longhorn Network, you should consider yourself lucky. The game was that ugly and the individual performances by most of the Longhorns were forgettable. This is a young team that will definitely improve as the season progresses; however, this team would also be best served if tonight's performance was the worst of the season.

First, the good. From my things to watch, Texas won the rebounding battle, 43-37, and was also able to play defense without fouling. The Bearkats went to the free throw line just twice all game. Now, both of those are positive aspects of the game, but both were due more to Sam Houston State's choices than anything the Longhorns achieved.

Sam Houston State played with four guards for large portion of the game and really didn't crash the glass on either end. The Bearkats also were mostly content with shoot jump shots and rarely challenged Texas in the paint.

As for the third key, more from Myck Kabongo, let this be where the ugly begins. Kabongo played a largely invisible 33 minutes. His jumper was off early, and it shook his confidence. As the game continued, Kabongo passed up open mid range and deep looks until finally launching and connecting on a three-pointer in the final minute of the game.

His one-for-six outing extends his shooting slump. Yes, the ‘Horns are only five games into the season and Kabongo is a true freshman but he hasn't yet shown the ability to knock down jumpers consistently. In fact, the Bearkats were beginning to defend Myck the same way we saw opponents match-up with Dogus Balbay after his jumper showed up on film. Kabongo has good form on his J; he just isn't hitting right now. Hopefully, his final made jumper will give him some confidence in the games ahead. Even beyond his jump shot, Myck's four assists to three turnover ratio is not enough for a lead guard.

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Game 05: Sam Houston State (1-4) vs Texas Longhorns (2-2)
Saturday, November 26, 2011 · 7:00 p.m. CT

Frank Erwin Center · Austin, TX

TV: LHN (Mark Followill & Reid Gettys) · Radio: 1300 AM / 98.1 FM

Ken Pom Projection: 79-56 Texas (68 Tempo)

After a brief holiday break, the Texas Longhorns (2-2) return to the hardwood this evening against Sam Houston State (1-4). For the nine of you who have Verizon Fios and the six of you who have Grande Communications, the game will be televised on the Longhorn Network. And for the 4,000 of you who don't have anything better to do or watch this evening, see you at the Erwin Center.

Tonight's tilt begins a winnable stretch of six games for the ‘Horns. After blowing second half leads of eight and 18 in the two losses in New Jersey, it is clear that this team has a lot of growing up to do before we get to conference season. Following tonight's game Texas continues an easier stretch of nonconference games with North Texas, at UCLA, UT-Arlington, Texas State, and Nicholls State. Getting to 8-2 before hosting Temple and a trip to Chapel Hill should be the goal and is achievable.

I wasn't able to see either of the games in the Legends Classic but stats show a team struggling to defend. Texas is allowing opponents to show high percentages from the floor as well as gifting easy points by fouling and not protecting the defensive glass. I will be watching for progress tonight against the Bearkats.

Sam Houston State opened their season with a home win over Howard Payne but dropped their last four - by 31 to Notre Dame, by 22 to Mercer, by 17 to South Dakota State, and by seven to Niagra. Statistics reveal one of the worst teams in Division 1.  If there is any concern tonight for ‘Horns's fans, it would be tempo. Expect the Bearkats to try to slow the game down. If they do not succeed, this will be nothing more than a lightly attended scrimmage for the Longhorns.

Follow after the jump for a few keys to the game.

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Update: Yup, all three are gone.  Awesome! --PB--

Mark Rosner, basketball columnist for the Austin American Statesman, just tweeted that he has a University of Texas source who says freshman Cory Joseph will stay in the NBA Draft. Underclassman must decide by today whether to return to school or remain draft eligible.

After a strong workout yesterday (NBA Draft.net) and the overall weakness of this draft, this isn't a huge surprise. With continued improvement over next six weeks, Joseph could sneak up the draft board and emerge on draft night as an early second round pick. Cory has good size to be an NBA lead guard, a high basketball IQ, and a solid jump shot. To stay in the league, Joseph must improve his handle, become a more consistent outside threat, and show an ability to stay in front of more athletic guards.

If this report is true, next year's Texas Longhorns will look incredibly different from this year's squad.

Gone will be departing seniors Gary Johnson, Dogus Balbay, Matt Hill, and Jai Lucas. Also gone will be freshman Tristan Thompson and Joseph as well as sophomore Jordan Hamilton. That's all five starters, by the way.

Rick Barnes will only return J'Covan Brown and Alexis Wangmene among players who were active last season. Clint Chapman, after red-shirting, will join those two as the only familiar faces in burnt orange.

Confirming rumors from yetersday and earlier today, UT spokeman Scott McConnell has confirmed that sophomore Jordan Hamilton and freshman Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph have each declared for the NBA draft.

Per the release, Hamilton will sign with an agent and not be eligible to return to the Longhorns. Thompson and Joseph will not sign with agents and could return. Underclassmen have until May 8th to withdraw their names and return to school.

Jordan is a likely first round pick who has NBA size and range. However, he is not an elite athlete and will struggle to defend off the bounce.

I'd be shocked if Tristan returns to Texas, as he is projected as a mid-first rounder and maybe a lottery pick. Thompson has an NBA frame that will fill out in time. He is equipped long arms and incredible timing. After he develops a mid-range jumper, Tristan should enjoy the NBA for years to come.

Even with the weakness of this draft class, I expect Cory Joseph to return to school and join Myck Kabongo in the Texas backcourt next season. Joseph would be wise to improve the consistency in his jump shot and his overall strength in the off season.

Regardless, next year's Longhorns will look very different from this year's club.

Mock NBA Drafts

NBADraft.net / DraftExpress / HoopsHype

Yesterday rumors appeared that Texas freshman Tristan Thompson would declare for the NBA draft. As a first round lock and potential lottery pick, the news was not suprising.

Today the Toronto Sun is reporting that fellow Canadian freshman Cory Joseph will also declare for the NBA draft but will not sign with an agent.

Even if true, this author says he returns to the 40 Acres. He may well turn out to be a solid pro but he's not there yet--handle needs to tighen considerably, shot needs to become more consistent, and passing skills must improve.

For those of you scoring at home, next year's team will definitely be without departing seniors Jai Lucas, Matt Hill, Dogus Balbay, and Gary Johnson, almost certainly be without freshman Thompson, likely without sophomore Jordan Hamilton (author's opinion), and possibly without freshman Joseph.

Ouch.

Only three more college basketball games left this season. Two this afternoon and the title game on Monday night.

Use this as your open thread.

No. 11 seed Virginia Commonwealth vs. No. 8 seed Butler
5:09 pm CBS

No. 4 seed Kentucky vs. vs. No. 3 seed Connecticut
7:49 pm CBS

If you look at my bracket and knew about my bets recently, you'd know that my predictions about this NCAA tournament have rarely come true. I'll take Butler and Kentucky in close ones.

Who you got?

I'm crushed.

It's not supposed to end that way.

The 4-seeded Texas Longhorns fell 70-69 to the 5-seeded Arizona Wildcats in one of the most bizarre, and heartbreaking endings to a Longhorn basketball game ever.

After starting a red hot 6-for-7 from the floor and opening an early eight point lead, Texas fell apart for the final 16 minutes of the first half. Texas coughed the ball up 10 times, lost shooters in the half court as Arizona nailed six first half threes, and rolled out odd and ineffective lineups. Other than two break away dunks by Jordan Hamilton, the Texas offense was completely shut down after the first television timeout.

The Wildcats took a commanding 36-25 lead to halftime.

It was clear early in the second half that Texas was not going to go quietly. Two three pointers by Jordan Hamilton seemed to energize the Longhorns and helped pave the way for a back and forth final 20 minutes.

Continue reading this post »

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

There are a few more tourney championship games today before the bracket is announced.

ACC: Duke vs. North Carolina on ESPN
In my opinion, Duke gets a No. 1 seed with a win. Would be close for Carolina if the Tar Heels prevail.

SEC: Kentucky vs. Florida on ABC
Florida won the SEC East and is shooting up mock seeding list. Both teams will be top four seeds in the NCAA tournament.

Atlantic 10: Dayton vs. Richmond on CBS
Richmond is probably in win or lose. But a Dayton victory would eliminate someone--maybe Colorado or Georgia or Alabama or Boston College or St. Mary's or Virginia Tech.

Big 10: Ohio State vs. Penn State on CBS 2:30 pm Central
Ohio State is your number one overall seed with a win, maybe with a loss too. I've got Penn State in right now but, obviously, a win would clinch it.

NCAA Tournament Seeding: Here are my ‘educated’ guesses at the NCAA tournament seeds.

No. 1 Seeds: Ohio State, Kansas, Pittsburgh, Duke
No. 2 Seeds: Notre Dame, North Carolina, Texas, BYU
No. 3 Seeds: San Diego State, Florida, Connecticut, Purdue
No. 4 Seeds: Wisconsin, Louisville, Syracuse, Kentucky
No. 5 Seeds: St. John’s, Arizona, West Virginia, Texas A&M
No. 6 Seeds: Xavier, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Kansas State
No. 7 Seeds: Cincinnati, Missouri, Washington, UNLV
No. 8 Seeds: UCLA, Temple, George Mason, Utah State
No. 9 Seeds: Marquette, Florida State, Old Dominon, Tennessee
No. 10 Seeds: Butler, Gonzaga, Richmond, Michigan
No. 11 Seeds: Illinois, Villanova, Colorado, Michigan State
No. 12 Seeds: Memphis, Penn State, Clemson, Va Tech, Alabama, St. Mary’s

Others (in no particular order): Indiana State, Boston U, Belmont, Northern Colorado, UNC Ashville, UC Santa Barbara, Princeton, St. Peter’s, Akron, Hampton, Long Island, Morehead State, Bucknell, Wofford, UT San Antonio, Alabama St, Oakland, and Arkansas-Little Rock. 18 total

Out: Georgia, USC, Boston College, VCU, Missouri St, Harvard, UAB, and UTEP.

Use this as your Sunday open thread for all things college basketball.  We'll be back nearer to the Selection Show (CBS, 5 pm CT) with a thread to talk about the brackets.

We're down to less than 24 hours before the official NCAA tournament bracket is revealed. I’ve been traveling today and trying to catch up, so I’ll make this quick.

For Texas fans, clearly, there will be no No. 1 seed. However, based on the strength of the Longhorns' nonconference wins (North Carolina, Illinois, and Michigan State) and a second place finish in the Big 12, including a wins over Kansas, Missouri, and three over Texas A&M, I think Texas sits firmly on the No. 2 seed line.

It is a near certainty that Kansas will be rewarded with the top seed in the San Antonio regional As the NCAA tries to avoid putting teams from the same conference in the same region, it is highly, highly likely that Texas will be slotted in one of the other three regions.

As a reminder, the top teams are gunning for protected seeds in the these four regionals: Newark (East), New Orleans (Southeast), San Antonio (Southwest), and Anaheim (West). Anaheim and New Orleans are Thursday / Saturday regionals; Newark and San Antonio are Friday / Sunday regionals

The second and third round (the NCAA is now considering the play-in games round one) in eight spots across the country. Thursday / Saturday host sites include Washington DC, Tampa, Denver, and Tucson. Friday / Sunday host sites include Charlotte, Cleveland, Chicago, and Tulsa.

Here are my ‘educated’ guesses at the top 20 teams in the NCAA tournament.

No. 1 Seeds: Ohio State, Kansas, Pittsburgh, Duke / North Carolina winner
No. 2 Seeds: Notre Dame, Duke / North Carolina loser, Texas, BYU
No. 3 Seeds: San Diego State, Florida, Connecticut, Purdue
No. 4 Seeds: Wisconsin, Louisville, Syracuse, Kentucky

Next Four: Georgetown, St. John’s, Arizona, West Virginia

Big 12 Bids (6)
Lock: Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Missouri
On the Bubble: Colorado
Bubble Burst: Nebraska, Baylor

Thoughts?

Other Sites to Visit: Blogging the Bracket / ESPN’s Bracketology / Bracket Matrix

Game 33: No. 10 Texas Longhorns (26-6, 13-3) vs. No. 21 Texas A&M Aggies (24-7, 10-6)
Friday, March 11, 2011 · 8:30 p.m. CT

Sprint Center (18,758) · Kansas City, KS

TV: Big 12 Network (affiliates) · Radio: 1300 AM / 98.1 FM

Texas Sports.com / LonghornRoadTrip

Ken Pom Prediction: 66-58 Texas (63 tempo)

First Meeting in Austin, 81-60 / Second Meeting in College Station 69-49 

The Texas Longhorns coasted to a quarterfinal victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, 74-54, in Kansas City. As Longhorn fans have seen during many conference games, Texas jumped to an early double digit lead, led big at halftime, lost some focus in the second half but still won convincingly.

There was a lot to like about the Longhorn performance. Jordan Hamilton rediscovered his shooting stroke, especially during his 7-of-9 for 15 point performance in the first 20 minutes. J'Covan Brown was really good off the bench. He was patient on offense-took his jumper when appropriate and attacked the paint off the bounce when angles allowed. Tristan Thompson was his usual beast self on the glass and on the low block.

The Longhorns absolutely dominated the defensive glass. Throughout most of the game, OU had just a single offensive rebound. For a team that already struggles to score, this meant game over for the Sooners.

Texas now moves on to the Big 12 semifinals and will take on the winner of Texas A&M and Missouri in a Friday night game. Game should tip around 8:30 pm and will be shown on the Big 12 Network.

Kansas will take on Colorado in the other semifinal. That game will tip at 6 pm and will also be shown on the Big 12 Network.

Big 12 Tournament Bracket

It’s March! It’s March! My favorite month of the year. Hope springs eternal for college basketball fans from across the country as every team has a shot via their conference tournament and the NCAA tournament to become national champions by winning on the court, not via computers or pollsters. It literally doesn’t get any better than this.

The major conference tournaments tip-off on Tuesday (Big East), Wednesday (Pac 10 and Big 12), and Thursday (Big 10, ACC, and SEC). While the other conference tournaments are already underway with final coming early this week.

A few teams have already punched their tickets to the dance. Congrats to Belmont (Atlantic Sun), UNC Ashville (Big South), and Morehead State (Ohio Valley).

As a reminder, the top teams are gunning for protected seeds in the these four regionals: Newark (East), New Orleans (Southeast), San Antonio (Southwest), and Anaheim (West). Anaheim and New Orleans are Thursday / Saturday regionals; Newark and San Antonio are Friday / Sunday regionals

The second and third round (the NCAA is now considering the play-in games round one) in eight spots across the country. Thursday / Saturday host sites include Washington DC, Tampa, Denver, and Tucson. Friday / Sunday host sites include Charlotte, Cleveland, Chicago, and Tulsa.

Here are my ‘educated’ guesses at the top 16 teams in the NCAA tournament. These are listed (1) as if the season ended today and (2) by strength within each seed. I honestly don’t think that Notre Dame will end up with a No. 1 seed unless they (a) win the Big East tournament or (b) reach the Big East finals and no one on the two line wins their respective conference tournament.

No. 1 Seeds: Ohio State, Kansas, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame
No. 2 Seeds: Duke, Texas, BYU, North Carolina
No. 3 Seeds: Purdue, San Diego State, Wisconsin, Syracuse
No. 4 Seeds: Louisville, Florida, Georgetown, Kentucky

Next Four: St. John’s, Arizona, Connecticut, West Virginia

Big 12 Bids (6)
Lock: Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State
Highly Likely: Missouri
On the Bubble: Colorado, Baylor
Bubble Burst: Nebraska

Thoughts?

Other Sites to Visit: Blogging the Bracket / ESPN’s Bracketology / Bracket Matrix

No. 2 Kansas (13-2) at No. 24 Missouri (8-7) 11 AM CBS

Jayhawks secure an outright conference title and take another step toward a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament with a win. On the other side, while Missouri is safely in the tournament, the Tigers are coming off a bad loss earlier this week at Nebraska. Kansas is by far the more talented and complete team, but Mizzou is undefeated in Columbia this season. I’ll take KU in a close one.

Texas Tech (5-10) at No. 22 Texas A&M (9-6) 12:30 PM Big 12 Network

Aggie bloggers have been trying to count to 10 conference wins all season. This afternoon they should easily reach that mark. A&M has secured a first round bye in the Big 12 tournament win or lose—a three seed with a win and likely the four seed with a loss. The Red Raiders do have a road win at Baylor on their resume, but it is hard to see them snagging another. I’ll take A&M by eight points.

Iowa State (3-12) at Kansas State (9-6) 12:30 PM Big 12 Network

The Cyclones did knock off CU earlier this week but K State is playing at another level right now. Jacob Pullen and company have won five straight and seven of their last eight. The Wildcats have gone from an NIT-bound team in late January to a scary NCAA tournament team and a probably 5-7 seed. Seniors Pullen and Curtis Kelly go out in style and win big.

Oklahoma State (6-9) at Oklahoma (4-11) 3 PM Big 12 Network

Bedlam is exciting in some seasons, not this one though. Fran Fraschilla’s opining notwithstanding, Ok State is not a good basketball team, at all. And OU is even worse, losers of their last eight. There would have to be a lot of money riding on the outcome for me to watch this one. I’ll take OSU by four.

Nebraska (7-8) at Colorado (7-8) 8 PM

Bubble elimination game. Nebraska was clearly out of the tournament before the week started but a win over Missouri got them back in the discussion at least. I think the Cornhuskers likely need this one and probably two wins in Kansas City. Colorado was trending toward the tournament but suffered a bubble bursting loss at Iowa State on Wednesday. All the momentum gained by defeating Texas is now gone. Like Nebraska, the Buffs need this one and at least two wins in the Big 12 tournament to earn a berth.

No. 8 Texas (12-3) at Baylor (7-8) 8 PM ESPN

Before this week, Baylor looked to be the sixth Big 12 team headed to the NCAA with Colorado on the way toward grabbing a seven bid. Without some magic in Kansas City, the Big 12 may land six teams, maybe only five. Baylor’s back and forth, one step forward, one step back trend continued on Tuesday night in Stillwater. With their backs against the wall and needing a few solid wins to end the season, the Bears were defeated by double digits. However, I expect a much different Baylor team to show up tonight. In Austin, Texas won the first half against the Baylor zone, but lost the second half when the Bears went man. It will be interesting to see the type of defense Scott Drew elects to play tonight. A win for Baylor means the Bears have a shot at the NCAA tournament. A win for Texas means the ‘Horns regain some of their lost mojo. And if Missouri can somehow knock off KU this morning, then a win would also mean a split Big 12 title.

For what has to be like the 614th consecutive time, the Kansas State Wildcats defeated the Texas Longhorns in a Big 12 athletic event. Tonight's loss came on senior night for Dogus Balbay, Matt Hill, Jai Lucas, and Gary Johnson. The 75-70 defeat was the Longhorns third loss in their last four games and delivers a clear path to the Big 12 title for the Kansas Jayhawks. KU is two wins away from an outright conference title that seemed improbable just two short weeks ago.

For the Longhorns, the loss moves them to 12-3 in the conference with a trip to Baylor still to come. It is hard to characterize Saturday night's regular season finale as a "must win" given all that this team has already accomplished. However, it certainly feels like a must win.

Before we move onto the next game, a few very quick notes about this one. Other than Tristan Thompson, the Longhorns were not good at all. They shot the ball horribly from the floor (33%), were carved up defensively (50% on the game), especially in the second half (58% after halftime), and got absolutely nothing from their guards.

Jordan Hamilton, who is really struggling with his shot, was 5-for-18. Cory Joseph was just as off, going 2-for-12. J'Covan Brown did sink a few late three-pointers but was still only 2-for-10 on the night.

At the forward spot, Gary Johnson, was equally ineffective. Gary went for 6 points on 2-for-8 shooting over 33 minutes.

The long bright spot was Tristan Thompson, who was simply outstanding in the first half. TT scored 26 points on 9-of-14 from the floor and a respectable 8-for-13 from the free throw line while also grabbing 10 boards. As good as Thompson was, only eight of his points came in the second half when Kansas State made their run.

While the shooting was atrocious, this loss, like the Colorado one, can be more squarely blamed on the defensive end. Jacob Pullen and Rodney McGruder had their way with the Longhorns scoring 20 and 22 respectively. Texas repeatedly suffered defensive breakdowns which led to wide open threes for McGruder or driving lanes for Pullen. If Texas is to find their mojo, it has to start on the defensive end.

Last, give Kansas State and Fank Martin credit tonight. I thought Martin managed the game really well. He used his timeouts effectively when Texas inched closer and strategically subbed Pullen out for a quick breather a few times. K State defended like crazy and took away Texas back cuts and even simple passes to the wings. Their ball denial seemed to confuse and frustrate the Texas guards all night long.

Not to try to sugar coat the loss but K State is rolling right now and finally playing like the team that was pre-season top five and picked to win the Big 12 conference. Pullen looks like an all conference player, McGruder is effective from the perimeter, and Curtis Kelly has found his rhythm too.

Vent here, if you still have the energy.

Next Game: at Baylor -- Saturday, March 5th  8 PM ESPN