(11) Texas 89, Brown 51

[Murphy3]

(11) Texas 89, Brown 51


AUSTIN, Texas (Ticker) -- Texas had few problems with its frontcourt, but the backcourt remains a work in progress.

Freshman P.J. Tucker scored 18 points and James Thomas grabbed 19 rebounds as 11th-ranked Texas posted an 89-51 victory over Brown in the NABC Classic.

Behind Thomas, a 6-8 senior and Tucker, the Longhorns dominated Brown inside. Tucker had 13 rebounds as Texas held a 62-33 advantage on the boards and Thomas collected seven of Texas' 24 offensive rebounds.

While the play of its bigger players was not a problem, Texas' backcourt struggled, especially senior Royal Ivey - who was moved to point guard to replace last year's national Player of the Year T.J. Ford.

Ivey, who did play point guard as a freshman, struggled Monday. He finished with just six points, two assists and three turnovers in 23 minutes.

Brown last faced Texas in 1987 - a game that the Bears won. But this time, they shot just 30 percent (19-of-63), committed 20 turnovers and were done in by a 23-11 run to start the second half.

[u2sarajevo]

Ivey is not Ford, but I am hoping he can adjust. I know he's played the 1 before, so it shouldn't take long. But he sure did struggle tonight.

[dirno2000]

I never looked at Ivey as a true PG even though he played the position before Ford got there. You have to love his defense though. He's one of the best defensive guards in the country. Edgar Moreno looked ok in stretches.

Although they weren't falling last night, I expect them to be a better 3-point shooting team with the addition of Kenny Taylor and with Sydmil Harris getting more looks.

Thomas and Tucker have already developed good chemistry down low. I want to see if that carries over to the games against the big boys. I can’t wait to see how they stack up against AZ and Duke in NY. Duke is loaded at guard.

For an Ivy League school, Brown takes a lot of dumb shots.

[bogey]

For an Ivy League school, Brown takes a lot of dumb shots.

*giggle*

I'm not sure why that is so funny but it is.....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Murphy3]

dude, girl's 'giggle'..
guys 'chuckle'

[bogey]

Originally posted by: Murphy3
dude, girl's 'giggle'..
guys 'chuckle'

Tell it to dooby. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[kingrex]

Ivey is a serviceable point man, but the one who looks like a point is TJ's old backcourt buddy in H.S. Kenny Taylor who is listed as a shooting guard (and boy did he look silky at that last night), also looked like he could handle the point.

Some Taylor's passess looke Ford-esque. I think it's work a look for Barnes, especially if they're playing some of the patsy teams.

The horns looked good and they're not even at full-strength. Buckner was in street-clothes. I almost want to see them against a legit team to see how good they really are.

I'm ready for some college hoops!