Texas basketball has a matchup against Sam Houston State this Wednesday. Let’s take a look at both of these teams.
Texas offense
The offense is the reason Texas currently has a 5-1 record this season. This offense has been led by Longhorn guards Courtney Ramey and Matt Coleman III. These two both average around 15 points a game and put them in a position to win. Besides Coleman III and Ramey, Texas has had balanced scoring. Some other players on this team need to step up and find a way to help on the offense. In order for the Longhorns to win when they face tougher competition later this season, they need to have at least one or two more players to average double figures. Mainly from their frontcourt, because it helps out your backcourt and causes the opposing defense to spread out.
Texas defense
This defense had an amazing seven blocks against Texas State, so it’s an improvement. The Longhorns defense still struggles to get steals. It is something they need to work on more in practice. If they can work on jumping passing lanes and determining when is the right time to try and poke the ball loose. It will result in more steals and can lead to crucial possessions, especially in a tight game. It is a situation they’ll face when they play tougher opponents later this season. Baylor was going to be a major test for them. However, since that game has been postponed the next test will be against the Kansas Jayhawks on Jan. 2.
Sam Houston State offense
This offense, like Texas has two players that average more than 10 points a game this season. The Texas defense needs to slow down Demarkus Lampley and Zach Nutall. Out of those two Nutall is the most dangerous one. As long as he is playing well, it gives Sam Houston State a chance to win. This should be an interesting game. Texas is fully expected to win, but it doesn’t mean this offense should be underestimated.
Sam Houston State defense
Texas must take of the ball in this game. Sam Houston State currently has four players that average over one steal a game. The Longhorns need to keep an eye on those players, because turnovers will be crucial to the game and could make this game much closer than they may be comfortable with. Since Sam Houston State doesn’t have a lot of block this season. The front court play is going to be crucial for Texas. The Longhorns need to focus on attacking the paint and getting the majority of their buckets from there.
Texas is going to win this game by a big margin. The Longhorns were supposed to face their first major test of the year against Baylor. To be truly tested, they’ll have to wait until they play Kansas. That game will show how good this team really is. Texas vs. Kansas will definitely be one to watch, we’ll just have to wait until then. Texas wins this game against Sam Houston State with a final score of 84-68.
Photo courtesy of TxStateBobcats.com
