Texas Hangs on to Defeat Kansas State - NetScouts Basketball

Austin, TX – Texas held off Kansas State in a slim, much-needed win for the Longhorns. Kansas State got here to Austin trying to stop their two-game slide from changing into a three-game dropping streak, whereas the Longhorns had been aiming to get again on monitor after their blowout loss towards the Houston Cougars.

From the beginning, this was a defensive slugfest. Each groups struggled to hit pictures, with a 32% capturing fee 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 towards 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 pictures 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 properly to remain within the recreation, 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 evening for the Longhorns as he completed with 20 factors, eight rebounds, three steals and a block. Disu didn’t have his accustomed environment friendly evening 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 enhancing his upcoming NBA draft inventory.

I need to give a fast shoutout to Abmas for hitting the milestone of three,000 factors. Abmas had a quiet evening for the Longhorns however made an impression as a playmaker with 5 assists. Abmas has had an illustrious faculty profession, and it’s been extraordinarily enjoyable to observe him all through his time in NCAA basketball. Dillon Mitchell had one other strong recreation, particularly on the defensive aspect 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 impression 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 evening. He completed the primary half with 4 factors, capturing 2-of-10 from the sphere. Although he completed the evening with 17 factors and 7 rebounds, he bounced again within the second half, nevertheless it was not sufficient to assist his group. Kaluma has improved his capturing this season for the Wildcats however nonetheless lacks versatility on the defensive aspect of the ball to enhance his draft inventory. Tylor Perry had a strong evening, filling the stat sheet with 13 factors, three rebounds, 4 assists, and three steals. Nonetheless, his six turnovers handicapped his group from making this a more in-depth recreation. Perry might want to do a greater job caring for the ball transferring ahead if the Wildcats hope to shut out the season sturdy.

Shifting ahead, Kansas State could have the remainder of the week to organize for his or her dwelling recreation towards #25 BYU on Saturday, hopefully to cease the loing skid. Texas will face a serious take a look at 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 may comply with us on Facebook, or on twitter.

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