Texas Basketball Shines Bright, Even Without Star Player
What a thrilling day it has been for Texas basketball fans! The atmosphere at the Moody Center was electric this past Sunday as the Longhorns faced off against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a nonconference game. With a final score of 121-57, Texas really showed what they are made of, despite being without their star freshman, Tre Johnson.
Freshman Phenomenon on the Sidelines
For those not in the loop, Johnson has been lighting up the scoreboard this season, currently leading the SEC with an impressive average of 19.9 points per game. Unfortunately, he had to sit out this matchup due to a right hip issue. Texas officials have mentioned he is considered day to day, which means there’s a chance we might see him back on the court for the next game against New Orleans this Thursday at 7 p.m.
Next Man Up!
Even without Johnson, the Longhorns showed fantastic resilience and depth in their roster — and boy, did they deliver! Stepping up in a big way was freshman Nic Codie, a 6-foot-8 forward. Codie had a career day, racking up 20 points on an impressive 8-of-10 shooting performance, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. He played a career-high 16 minutes and certainly made the most of his time on the floor!
A Great Team Effort
Texas didn’t just rely on Codie, though. The victory was truly a team effort. Guard Julian Larry excited the crowd with a great double-double, scoring 11 points and dishing out a career-high 13 assists. That kind of ball movement is something fans love to see, and Larry’s performance was a delight.
Add in junior guard Jordan Pope, who scored a season-high 17 points while also contributing four assists and a career-high four steals, and it’s clear that the Longhorns have plenty of talent to share among their players. Chendall Weaver, another junior guard, also had a noteworthy game with 14 points and eight rebounds. Forward Kadin Shedrick matched Weaver’s points with his own 14 and even added three steals!
Record-Breaking Shooting Performance
The team’s shooting performance was nothing short of spectacular. Texas shot an astonishing 17-of-30 from 3-point range, coming just one short of the program record of 18 made 3-pointers set back in 1997 against Kansas State. It’s safe to say that when the Longhorns are in sync, they are a mesmerizing team to watch!
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns revel in this big victory, all eyes now turn to their upcoming game against New Orleans. Fans are hopeful that Johnson will be back on the floor to join this talented squad that is proving they have what it takes to succeed, even in his absence.
Overall, yesterday was a spectacular showcase of Texas basketball at its best! The excitement and spirit from the crowd were contagious, and there’s no telling how bright the future looks for this talented team. Go, Longhorns!
