Post Game Points: Texas v. Nebraska

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT... If you've watched this Texas team most of the year, you realize their winning and losing depends on on thing: Effort. When they come out to play, they win. When the effort is not there and the intensity is missing, they lose. Simple as that. Last night, Texas came out with medium effort and almost let a far inferior Cornhusker team fight back for a victory. This makes two games in a row Texas did not come out with a passion to win. Its a little worrisome given the high stakes of games the rest of the year. Texas is going to have to stop playing up or down to its competition. 40 mins of effort last night would have resulted in a 20 point win, not one that came down to a last minute 3 pointer and free throws.

BONEHEAD MOVE OF THE YEAR... Goes to Connor Atchley on his ill advised lob to Justin Mason at the end of the game. Texas had an inbounds pass with 12 seconds left and instead of handing the ball to AJ Abrams, Connor decided to loft a lame duck that fell 10 feet short of Justin Mason and right into the arms of Aleks Maric. If it were not for a great hustle play by Mason to knock the ball from Maric and then get fouled on the scramble, Nebraska would have had a last shot to win or tie the game. It was a horrible decision and even worse of a pass. It is not clear what was going through Connor's head, but i promise Barnes will not let that happen again.

CONNOR'S POST DEFENSE... Was not good. Granted, Maric has an inch and 50 pounds on him, but Connor gave up tons of position and basically let Maric score at will. If Nebraska had gone to him all night, he might have finished with 30 points. While Atchley has improved on the defensive end, his lack of strength has allowed many posts to get great position in the low post. Many times Connor has been able to recover with a great shot block, but when a player as big as Maric gets that kind of position, he is not going to be stopped. Next season Connor needs to show up 20 pounds heavier. Until then, Texas may have to employ more zone (as they did last night) when facing a dominant post presence.

GAME MVP... Was Justin Mason. That guy is seeming to really get his role on the team and is starting to excel in it. Mason is here for tough defense, hustle plays and hitting open threes. His stat line last night was 7 points (2-2 from the field), 7 rebounds, 4 assists and the two free throws that iced the game for Texas. He is starting to become what Royal Ivey was to the Longhorn teams a few years ago. A do everything player, who doesn't fill up the stat sheet, but contributes in big ways to the team. His take away from Maric with 12 seconds left isn't going to show up in the stats, but it saved Connor's ass and secured the win for Texas. Mason may be the key to a long post season run for Texas.

Post Game Points: Texas v. Kansas State

ANOTHER UGLY WIN... No matter how Texas plays, they keep on winning. 13 turnovers, 10-22 from the foul line, AJ & Connor out the 1st half with fouls, broken noses and a poor shooting night for Damion James didn't keep the Horns from pulling off the huge win in Manhattan. This team has won inside, outside, pretty and ugly. One night it's DJ, then AJ then Connor and Damion. It seems like nothing can slow this team down the past 8 games. Three more winnable games for the Texas and they will bring home their first outright Big 12 Championship since 1999.

BLOWING BUBBLES... It looks like The Wildcats are about to play themselves right onto the NCAA Tournament bubble. They have now lost 3 straight to Texas, Baylor and Nebraska and face an impending 4th loss as they head into Lawrence to face Kansas on Saturday. Thats not to great considering the selection committee tends to look at your last 10-12 games to separate the last few in from the ones left out. If K State loses to Kansas, they are for sure going to have to beat Colorado and Iowa State to finish the year and then maybe have to win a game or 2 in the Big 12 tournament. One thing they have going for them is the "Beasley Factor" in that it is going to be hard for the committee to keep the most talented player in the country out of the NCAAs and into the NIT.

PHOENIX SUNS IN ATTENDANCE... ESPN made it a point to show Kevin McHale of T-Wolves and Steve Kerr of the Suns in attendance at tonight's game. Despite DJ's comments this week that he isn't going to the NBA, you can't tell me Phoenix was not there to look at DJ. I think Texas fans have learned enough from TJ, Kevin Durant and Vince Young to know that the "I will be back next year" is essentially a guarantee they will not. I think everyone is incredibly greatful we have had DJ for 2 years. I love DJ's game and he would be a perfect fit as the heir apparent yo Steve Nash and the Suns offense. I just wish players wouldn't get everyone's hopes up by saying the thing they think fans want to hear.

TEXAS' "X" FACTOR... Is Connor Atchley. He can be such a matchup problem for teams as his offensive game has really developed this year. He works the pick & roll so well with DJ. Connor can bring his man away from the basket, leaving a clear path to the rim for DJ. And Connor is becoming deadly from behind the arc as DJ is finding his open when teams trap him on the high pick & roll. Tonight Connor even hit what can only be described as the "least expected drive to the basket and running jump hook floater of the year." Add in his shot blocking ability and, as long as he stays out of foul trouble, Connor becomes a key man in a Longhorn run into March.

REMAINING SCHEDULE... @ Texas Tech: This game is winnable. Barned owns Tech and the Red Raiders just don't have the size or offensive fire power to stay with Texas. The game in Austin was a blow out, and I only expect the game to be about 5 points closer be cause the game is in Lubbock.
Nebraska: While the Cornhuskers are playing well as of late (wins over K State & A&M), I just don't see them coming into Austin and beating this Texas team. Texas may have some trouble with the 7'0'' Aleks Karic, but Nebraska simply does not have the overall team talent to pull off an upset road win.
Oklahoma State: I am glad Texas gets this game at home. The Cowboys are off wins over A&M and Kansas and PG Byron Eaton has been on fire the past few games. OK State alwasy plays Texas tough, but the Horns seem to pull off the wins in Austin. This is going to be a tough game, but the Cowboys don't have enough scorers around Eaton to win this Big 12 finally.

Post Game Points: Texas v. Texas A&M

TEAM DEFENSE... By Texas was amazing. Texas put together their best team defensive game of the year by holding the Aggies to 19% shooting in the first half and just 30% for the game. The Longhorn defense swarmed all night on the Aggie guards, disrupting the post entry passes and preventing open shots. Justin Mason seemed to be everywhere on the defensive end as he hounded dribblers and crashed the boards for rebounds. AJ seemed to play his best defense, since he matched up with Brandon Rush of Kansas, as he was in the face of Josh Carter all night causing Carter to go 3-11 from the field (1-5 3pts) and score just 11 points. Connor Atchley, Damion James and Dexter Pittman played some solid post defense as no Aggie big man scored in double figures and Texas recorded 12 blocks. The key to Texas' defense was effort and intensity; exactly the kind of defense that keeps teams playing in March.

JOSEPH JONES... Is broken. I don't know what exactly was the turning point, but it just feels like Jones has given up on basketball. There was a time when I feared him more than any other player on the floor. He always seemed to bring it against the Horns, hitting mid-range jumpers, pounding it inside and patrolling the lane on defense. Now, I sometimes forget he is out there. Last night, Jones went 1-7 from the floor and left the Erwin Center with 3 points. But the problems with Jones are not limited to one game against Texas. Jones is having the worst season of his four year career at A&M as he is averaging career lows in points, rebounds and FG%. As a sophomore, Jones seemed a lock to be a high pick in the NBA and some even speculated on his early exit to the pros. After this year, it will be a shock if Jones even gets a sniff from the NBA. Its sad to see. Even though he is an Aggie, I always like and feared him as an opponent.

JUSTIN MASON... Is the glue of this Texas team. I am convinced, more than ever, that Texas is going to go as far as Mason takes them. He may not put in a bunch of points, but he is a high energy guy that does the things that don't show up in the box score. Whether it be shutting down the opponents best perimeter player or hitting the boards, Mason is the most consistent defensive force the Texas has. Mason has also seemed to have overcome his offensive mini-slump and can be counted on to occasionally take the ball to the rim and hit a few open threes. If Texas can get Mason's usual defensive and rebounding efforts, along with 6-8 points a game, they will be a formidable matchup for any squad in the NCAAs.

DJ's EXHAUSTION... May have been over stated. Many have been saying that DJ's recent struggles have been due to his excessive playing time, and that his legs are just wearing down as the season progresses. Augustin seemed to put that talk to rest as he exploded for 27 points on 9-14 shooting, with 9 assists. DJ was hitting all the shots he seemed to be missing in the last 5 games and he looked much more confident taking the ball to the basket. I think we can safely say that DJ went through a mini-slump and is now turning the corner to regain his top point guard status. I think part of the problem was that DJ was putting to much pressure on himself and caused his struggles. Last night he looked more relaxed and confident as he knew when to drive, pull up for the shot or dish it to a teammate. If there was any doubt that DJ had the energy to finish the season was put to rest as DJ took a late game pass and blew by his defender to make a lay up and get fouled on the play. Of course, it also helped that Texas had a commanding lead the entire game and allowed DJ to get a little rest on the bench.

Post Game Points: Texas v. Iowa State

1. A CONFERENCE ROAD WIN... Is nothing to be upset about. When you're in conference play, your first goal is to win all your home games and be able to win a little more than half of your road games. And historically Texas has had a tough time winning at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fact is Texas played poorly and DJ Augustin had the worst game as a Horn and Texas was still able to win. AJ Abrams and Gary Johnson were able to step up and carry the horns to another 2nd half comeback. While the game was frustrating and unbearable to watch at times, lets just enjoy not losing for a minute before Kansas comes to town.

2. DJ AUGUSTIN... Continues to struggle getting good looks and hitting shots. There are several things that have concerned me recently with DJ. First, I am afraid teams have figured out how to neutralize him enough to disrupt the Texas offense. Iowa State had a great game plan which was to not let DJ have a path to the basket and then meet him at the rim with big man help to force a bad shot. DJ just didn't finish at the rim the way he was early in the year. That leads to the next concern, which is that DJ is not drawing the contact that he used to on his drives. One of DJ's biggest strengths was his ability to get to the rim and initiate the contact. Recently, his finishes around the rim have been fade aways and step backs. I am not sure if he is getting beat up, worried about injuries or if Barnes is worried about injuries. But I feel like DJ is losing one of his biggest assets in not forcing fouls and getting to the line.

3. GARY JOHNSON... Might be getting it. What a game for Gary. Great hustle, great post position and great defense. Johnson played 34 minutes and had his best game this season. Gary was able to establish a much needed inside presence as he got great post position and was able to finish around the basket (though a few more kind rolls on the rim and he could have scored 20). His defense, and especially his perimeter defense was exceptional. Gary switched on screens and was able to take his man back away from the basket and just seemed to be more comfortable, overall, on the defensive end. I think he is showing the player he can develop into as Big 12 play progresses. By tournament time Gary could be a 15 point 12 rebound guy in the starting lineup.

4. TEXAS STILL LOOKS... Infinitely beatable. Another slow start, another poor shooting game and another questionable performance by DJ. When I look at this team, I look at it in terms of how they would stack up in the NCAA Tournament at this moment. Right now.... Not good. if you go into March with shaky PG play, low % shooting and little inside presence, your chances look pretty grim. Somehow Texas is going to have to figure out how to start games actually hitting shots. Unless they do, they are susceptible to being run out of the gym by a hot shooting tourney team. We already know that Texas is going to struggle with teams with 2 bug guys inside (A&M). But the Horns are starting to have trouble with ANY big man, not just multiple big men. Lastly, DJ is going to have to figure a way to get his shooting % to at least 40-45 and that starts with better shot selection. Fewer fade aways and shots off one leg would be a nice start to that. If you're taking to the hoop, take it and finish it strong.

5. HERE COMES KANSAS..... Yikes...

Post Game Points: Texas v. Oklahoma

1. WHEN AJ IS ON... No one in the country can shut him down. Last night, Abrams showed how important he is to the Texas offense, as he almost single-handedly brought Texas back from a 10 point halftime deficit. He hit off the catch, off the dribble and (for the first time I've seen) off the jab step. AJ has to be one of the smartest screen users in the country as well. He has the ability to know exactly how to use the screen. His go-to is usually the curl around the screen, but when OU was over playing that last night, he was able to fake the curl and fade off the screen for an open three. He made the correct decision all last night and was able to hit huge threes for Texas.

2. THE MOST EFFECTIVE OFFENSE... Has been when Justin Mason runs point while AJ and DJ Augustin run off base line screens. I love the offense for two reasons: First, AJ's previously discussed productivity off the screen. Secondly, I like when DJ catches the ball in the triple-threat, before he has used his dribble. I feel the DJ is much more affective this way. He has the ability to shoot off the catch. But his added ability to drive or pass from the triple threat makes him more effective with the ball. It utilizes his quick first step, all the while leaving the pass and shoot options open.

3. INTERIOR DEFENSE... Is still a problem. The Sooners, and especially the Griffin brothers, were able to get good post position and easy inside shots all game. While Connor Atchley is a decent defender, he lets his man get position way to close to the basket. Several times OU was able to feed their post, who was essentially standing under the rim. When Blake Griffin caught the ball at the free throw line, he was always able to take it strong to the rim. Alexis Wangmene and Clint Chapman play hard, but they are just not experienced enough on the defensive end to always be in position. The same can be said for Gary Johnson, but with slightly less effort given. Dexter Pittman saw limited action against OU, but played decently and made a nice hustle play, diving out of bounds for a loose ball. He just doesn't have the stamina yet to be effective for long streched of game. Gary, Dex and the young posts must develope fast for Texas to be able to compete for a run in the NCAA's.

4. JEFF CAPEL HAS DEVELOPED... The same angry face as former OU coach, Kelvin Sampson. I thought it was impossible for a coach to be as whiney as Sampson, but Capel looks to be his spitting image, minus the customary blue denim shirt and red tie. I get that referee calls can be frustrating, but a coach that is on the refs too much will lose his credibility and will just come off as a cry baby. The OU fans also seem to follow the lead of their coach, as they booed nearly every call against the Sooners as if it had cost them the game. Its not like many expected much more from the Oklahoma bunch, but that really got old after a while.

5. TEXAS STARTS THE GAME: Worse than any team I've seen in recent memory. Once again the Horns dug themselves a 10 point hole to start the game. OU came out like most Texas opponents, and hit every shot they threw up for the first 8 minutes of the game, while Texas could not find the bucket on any shot. This start essentially cost the horns the game in College Station, as the Aggies were able to play hard and extend their lead. Fortunately, Baylor and OU were not able to do the same with their large, early leads. This is the exact kind of thing that costs teams in the NCAA Tourney. High seeds come out to an energetic lower seed, get down early and never recover. Texas needs to focus, for the rest of the season on good starts. This is also how favored seed win in March. They come out and dominante the underdog from the tip and never let them emotionally in the game. This will be key for Texas down the stretch.