Closing out a game
- Tuesday night, however, the Longhorns were clutch when they needed to be. Texas had an answer for just about every Iowa State run. The Longhorns shot 3-of-6 in overtime, jumping out to a quick lead and never looking back.
“Our guys didn’t drop their heads,” head coach Shaka Smart said. “They didn’t get disconnected.”
Texas is 4-1 in games decided by three points or less.
Much-needed win
- A win over the 17th-ranked team in the country was just what the doctor ordered for the Longhorns. Coming off of a deflating loss at TCU, Texas needed a win to stay afloat in the Big 12 and the NCAA tournament picture.
The win boosts the Longhorns’ resume, giving them three wins over RPI Top 50 teams this season.
Much better shooting
- A big part of Texas’ loss to TCU on Saturday was poor shooting. The Longhorns hit just 37 percent of their shots against the Horned Frogs.
Tuesday, however, was a much different story. Texas came out on fire, shooting 51.4 percent and hitting 9-of-18 shot from beyond the arc. The Longhorns finished the game with a 48.6 shooting percentage and 13 3-pointers.
Georges Niang goes off
- Iowa State will likely regret this loss, but Georges Niang had quite the night for the Cyclones.
The senior forward finished the night with 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting with seven rebounds. Niang had eight of the Cyclones’ last 14 points in regulation to force the game to overtime.
Points in Paint
- The Longhorns are still looking for an answer inside with the absence of senior center Cameron Ridley. Despite the win and the incredible outside shooting, Texas struggled down low, giving up 50 points in the paint. Iowa State redshirt senior forward Jameel McKay finished the game with six dunks as well.
Meanwhile, the Longhorns scored 36 points in the paint and senior center Prince Ibeh and junior forward Shaquille Cleare combined for just four points and five rebounds.
