Texas men’s basketball hosts OU Wednesday, hopes to remain undefeated at home

By Colby Gordon

After Texas opened Big 12 play with a “thud” Saturday at Baylor by shooting 34 percent and getting out-rebounded, 48-35, during a 59-44 loss, the offensive side of the ball was the focus during coach Shaka Smart’s Tuesday press conference to preview Wednesday’s home game against Oklahoma.

While a road loss at the No. 6 team in the country, which Baylor is in the latest rankings, isn’t a cause for concern in and of itself, it marks the second straight opponent from a major conference against which UT has scored fewer than 50 points following a 70-48 loss Dec. 21 at Providence. The Longhorns were also out-rebounded by 13 in that contest, 52-39.

For those heavily into [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]statistics and analytics, according to kenpom.com, Texas ranks No. 133 in in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, which is next-to-last in the Big 12, ahead of only Kansas State.

“We have to make shots,” Smart said. “The offense is constantly evolving, but we have to continue to get in the paint. Historically, we have a better points per game when we get in the paint.”

Smart noted he was somewhat satisfied with how his team got into the paint Saturday, but said there needs to be dramatic improvement rebounding on both ends of the floor.

“Rebounding is a five-person endeavor,” Smart said. “We worked on it a ton (Monday), but we also worked on it a ton last week. We’ve put a big emphasis on transition offense, but that can’t begin until the ball is in our hands. I think Baylor did a better job getting to rebounds.”

Junior forward Jericho Sims marked the bright spot on offense for the Longhorns against Baylor, recording a double-double with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting and grabbing an impressive 15 rebounds.

“Our need for him to be (really good) is higher than ever,” Smart said. “We continually are talking about how to make him take more shots and get him more shots. Part of that is his responsibility is sealing harder and calling for the ball. But he’s a guy who wants to be good.”

Texas (10-3, 0-1 in games against Big 12 opposition) is still a bit of a work in progress lineup-wise. Smart noted he does not have a set seven- or eight-man rotation, as there haven’t been eight guys who have consistently established themselves.

“Ideally, at this time of the year, you’d like to be at that point,” Smart said, “but you also have to be open-minded.”

Junior guard Matt Coleman III, who leads the Longhorns in points, assists and steals, played sick against Baylor but should be 100 percent against Oklahoma.

The Sooners (10-3 overall, 1-0 in the Big 12) head south after opening conference play with a come-from-behind 66-61 home win over Kansas State.

“They do a terrific job of taking advantage of matchups,” Smart said. “They’re unique in that they have five (starters) who can all shoot the three, but are also all 6-5 or taller.”

Texas is a perfect 7-0 at the Frank Erwin Center, something the Longhorns hope plays into their advantage Wednesday.

“It’s really important for us to establish ourselves on the defensive end early,” Smart said. “Definitely excited to be at home.”
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