University of Texas Men's Basketball

Gary Johnson

Following their heartwrenching 82-81 overtime loss at home to Kemba Walker and his UConn Huskies last Saturday, the University of Texas men's basketball team started Big 12 play Tuesday night in Lubbock by wallopping the unranked Red Raiders 83-52. Texas dominated the boards against Texas Tech 39-23 and was led by senior Gary Johnson's game-high 10 rebounds. Freshman stud Tristan Thompson was UT's leading scorer with 20 points, and fellow freshman Jordan Hamilton pitched in for 16, but the team only shot 62.9% from the free-throw line. For such a young team, I was as impressed with their loss to the Huskies as I was with their blow-out win over Texas Tech. Hard-fought losses against ranked teams, with UT playing excellent defense for much of the game, will help to prepare the Horns for a long run in March's NCAA tourney. Not to overlook the Sooners, but next Wednesday's tilt against the Aggies (No. 14 in the AP poll as of press time) is one you won't want to miss. Vs. Oklahoma: Sat., Jan. 15, 3pm. Vs. Texas A&M: Wed., Jan. 19, 8pm. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. $8-40. www.texassports.com.