Texas Men’s Basketball Gameday Preview (Texas State)
I know most of the chatter surrounding The University of Texas these days has to do with Mack Brown and his decision to coach beyond this year. Unfortunately, this has caused the Texas Men's basketball team to fly under the radar a bit. If you haven't watched these guys play, I suggest you make room in your television schedule (or go down to the Erwin Center) and catch a game.
This Texas Men's basketball team is off to it's best start since 2007. They play an exiting brand of basketball and have all the piece in place to have one heck of a season. Tonight they host Texas State, so tune in to the Longhorn Network at 7pm and #HookEm with the rest of us!
GAMEDAY QUICK FACTS
The game notes can be found by clicking HERE.
TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by Longhorn Network. Paul Sunderland (pxp), Reid Gettys (analyst) and Amanda Scarborough (reporter) will call the action.
RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300AM Sportsradio the Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network. Jon Madani (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check http://www.TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
SERIES: Texas leads, 42-5. Last meeting: Texas 75-63 (Dec. 15, 2012; Austin, Texas)
TEXAS VS. TEXAS STATE
· Saturday's contest marks the 48th meeting between Texas and Texas State.
· Texas holds a 42-5 lead in the all-time series against Texas State that dates back to a 52-15 UT victory in Austin on Jan. 15, 1917.
· UT's .894 winning percentage in the Texas State series is the highest winning percentage by the Longhorns against a current Division I opponent.
· UT has won the last 24 games against Texas State– the longest current winning streak in a UT series.
· The last time the Bobcats defeated the Longhorns was Dec. 7, 1937 in Austin.
· In last year's meeting in Austin (Dec. 15, 2012), the Horns posted a 75-63 victory.
FAST START
UT's 8-1 record to begin the 2013-14 season marks its best nine-game start since a 17-0 start to the 2009-10 season. It marks the fifth time in the Rick Barnes era (last 16 years) that the Horns have opened the year with at least eight wins in their first nine contests (8-1 in 2008-09, 9-0 in 2007-08 and 8-1 in 2005-06).
CLEANING THE GLASS
Texas has outrebounded eight of its first nine opponents this season and posted double-digit rebound advantages in five of the first nine contests. Entering this week (through games as of Dec. 8), Texas ranked 11th nationally in rebound margin (+10.2). UT tallied a +13 rebound margin (55-42) in Saturday's win at Temple, including a 20-10 edge on the offensive glass. Four UT players are averaging at least 6.0 rebounds per game (Ridley, Holmes, Lammert and Holland).
HOLMES LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Junior forward Jonathan Holmes leads the team in scoring (13.1 ppg) and ranks second in rebounding (6.9 rpg) and third in blocked shots (14) this season. Holmes has reached double figures in scoring in seven of his first eight contests and has converted 36-of-71 (.507) field goals, including 11-of-24 (.458) threes, and 22-of-27 (.815) free throws.
