Post-Game Thoughts: Texas 72, Texas Tech 70

Game Links:

Tortilla Tossin’ Player of the Game: I’m going with Pop Isaacs, who went 7 of 19 from the field, including 5 of 9 from deep, 4 of 4 from the line, 2 boards, 3 assists, and 1 turnover. I think he probably had 3 or 4 turnovers, getting too deep inside without anywhere to throw a pass (generally driving without an outlet) and once he figures that out there’s no end to his game.

The Motion:

  • Never happy to lose, but I’m okay with this outcome in a sense. This was a good effort and the geometry changed significantly with Aimaq in the game and that really does change a lot in terms of my outlook going forward. I was pretty discouraged after the Iowa State loss, but adding in Aimaq will open up a ton. Remember when Bryson Williams would post up and that in itself creates opportunities for the offense? Well, that’s what Aimaq is going to do if he stays healthy. And considering he played 29 minutes, 12 points, 5 boards, 3 turnovers, and 2 assists in his first game back? Well, expect more of that. He’s a difference-maker.
  • Maybe this is a good opportunity to discuss how Batcho has regressed in away. He had 1 rebound, 5 fouls, 2 assists, and 3 turnovers for the evening. Generally speaking, this was a negative effort of Batcho and I don’t care about the chirping with Texas payers, but I think what he could absolutely learn from Aimaq is to slow down. He’s nearly 7’0″ and he has gifts that other players don’t. So maybe his post-up game isn’t there yet or maybe he’s not going to be able to take Big 12 defenders off the dribble, he can absolutely hit the boards, receive dump-down passes and survey the court to see if there’s a double-team and someone open. If not, that’s fine, I’d still be great with him taking an uncontested 3-pointer or something 3-feet and in near the basket.
  • After some poor performances from Jaylon Tyson, I thought he was really terrific. I thought he’d have more than just 12 points, but that’s what he finished with. He did finish with a double-double, 12 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers for the evening. Really a good effort and that’s what his game needs to be.
  • Interesting in that both Obanor and Harmon both went 3 of 8 from the field. I didn’t think either one of them played poorly, but didn’t think that either one of them played particularly well. With Harmon, he’s the point guard, but he finished with no assists, but he also had no turnovers. With Obanor, he’s been careless with the ball on his end, leading the team with 4 turnovers and to be honest, I don’t notice them when they happen, but that’s not just a one-game trend.
  • I think the missed free throws in sequence change things quite a bit and maybe if Obanor hits those 2 that he normally makes, we’re talking about a different outcome.
  • Some numbers. Just 8 assists to 15 turnovers. Still something to work on here for sure, this needs to be a better passing team. Texas Tech had 14 2nd chance points to just 7 for Texas, 28 points in the paint for the Red Raiders to just 16 for Texas. Texas capitalized on bench points, 33 to 14, and points off of turnovers, 21 to 17.
  • Head coach Mark Adams: “I was proud of how our guys responded. I thought we played more consistent defense than we did in our last game. There are a lot of things we can build on. We still have too many turnovers and something we will emphasize. There are no easy games in this league. Last year was tough. It may be even tougher this year. We need to work on closing the gap and win games like this. We make a few less mistakes down the stretch and it could have been a different result.”
  • up next? Baylor in Lubbock on Tuesday, January 17th with tip-off at 8:00 p.m. and the game on ESPNU.

Highlights

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