It was easy!

After every game there is a post-game press conference with each team. Normally, two players and the coach take the hot seats in a special room off the court to say a few words, then take questions from the media. Some questions can be brutal and some of their answers can be equally brutal.

After Texas fell to Iowa State 70-65 in Austin, Texas at the Moody Center first up was Iowa State players #22 Milan Momcilovic, a starting forward, starting guard #3 Tamin Lipsey, and head coach T.J. Otzelberger.

We asked both Iowa State players a simple question, “What about Texas surprised you and didn’t surprise you in their play?” Their answers were brutally honest.

Tamin Lipsey responded with, “I don’t think I was very surprised. I mean, we watched so much film. We prepared so, so well. But I think Disu was just great all around. It was tough to stop him in the second half. We tried everything and he did a great job. And just coming into the game, we were really locked down on the guard and guard position that was at least my own mindset and Tyree and Keyshawn.”

Milan Momcilovi commented saying, “So yeah, I think one thing that was really good at was cutting in the backside. I thought when I hit the pocket that a lot of cutters, whether it’s Mitchell or whoever, I got thrown down once, but I thought they did a good job moving without the ball.”

All Iowa State had to do was stop Max Abmas just enough. Abmas averages 18 points a game. In this game, Abmas scored 13 points, five points below his average and just enough to hold Texas to 65 points and a loss by five points. Just Enough!

They could not stop Dylan Disu who came alive after getting sub’d back into the game with eight minutes remaining in the game and scored 20 points. Dillion Mitchell scored his season’s average 10 points per game, as did Brock Cunningham who scored five points.

The other points for Texas came from Kadin Shedrick and Ithiel Horton who both scored two points. Tyrese Hunter did not score, but that was not for a lack of trying.  Hunter took eight shots, three shots from three-point range.

All Iowa State did was focus on Abmas and when he had the ball, the Iowa State defense looked like magnets guarding him.

This is ‘how’ Texas lost, but maybe not why Texas lost.

Why Did Texas Lose?

Back to the postgame press conference.  After Iowa State talked with the media, it was Texas’ turn.  Dylan Disu, Max Abmas, and coach Terry took the hot seats to face the unanswerable questions of, “What happened?”

I ALWAYS raise my hand to ask a question or two. Not this time. I was subdued by the loss and could not find a question to ask that could possibly explain it. Iowa State, despite their record, was not better than Texas, in my opinion. They are very good, so there is a respect for Iowa State, but Texas is much better than they played.

A few minutes after Texas’ postgame press conference was over, I left the press room to leave the Moody Center and make my way to my car and head home. On my way out of the Moody Center, I had the privilege of riding in the same elevator as coach Terry and he said to me, “Terry, you didn’t have anything for me tonight?” referring to the fact I did not ask any questions in postgame.

All I could say with honesty was, “I was subdued by the loss.”  I truly did not know or could not think of anything to ask that would have been beneficial to the players, coach Terry, or fans watching and listening.

All the way home from the game, up until falling asleep, and for the next couple days, all I could think about was, “Why, why did Texas lose, and why is Texas different this year versus last?”

Yes, every season there is a new team which explains the difference, but that’s not why. This year’s team is every bit as good as last year’s team, and they have proven it throughout the season. 

I have a theory that could explain why Texas is not playing like they did last season, or winning in the manner they did last season. The next time we have the chance to ask coach Terry during the next media availability, I do have a couple questions ready and they focus on responsibility. 

People respond differntly when they are given responsibility. People perform better, usually. Abmas has the responsibility to lead Texas as the point guard. Disu has the responsibilty to crash the boards. Mitchell has taken the responsibility of establishing his identity on defense and offense. 

However, has every player been given, or taken responsibility to, at least, score their season average each game? 

Texas has eight more Big 12 Conference games left in the regular season. Presently, they are 15-8 overall and 4-6 in conference play. Last season the same time Texas was 19-5 overall and 8-4 in conference play. 

Conclution

Texas has the ability to rise up and have another stellar season like last year’s. Consistent winning, or more importantly consistant playing will be needed. Scoring at least 79 points per game and winning on the boards will be critical if Texas wants to go deep into March.

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