ISU-Texas Report
The Texas Longhorns are a shell of their former selves as they face the Iowa State Cyclones on Wednesday night. Here’s the preview from BroburySports.com.
Texas is a nine-point favorite. The game is at 9:30 pm ET (ESPN360) as part of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.
Texas (23-8 SU, 10-17 ATS) started out 17-0 and was the top team in the country. Damion James looked like a first team All-American and Dexter Pittman was dominating down low. There were also three key freshmen that looked almost as good as Kentucky’s.
Things have changed in a hurry. Texas went just 9-7 SU in the Big 12. They really struggled on the road at 3-5 SU and have lost four of their last five away. Point guard Dogus Balbay was recently lost for the season, leaving a void, although they didn’t play that well when he was in there.
James is still playing good overall at 17.7 PPG, but he’s been slowing down. Pittman has basically disappeared as his minutes dwindle and he doesn’t get the ball. He has only taken 10 shots or more once in the last 17 games.
The three freshmen all have battles with inconsistency, and that’s not good with two of them in the starting lineup (Avery Bradley, J’Covan Brown).
Texas is just 3-15 ATS in its last 18 games, an incredible figure.
Iowa State could be a sleeper
Iowa State (15-16 SU, 15-12-1 ATS) was 4-12 SU in the Big 12, but finished a respectable 2-2, including 3-0-1 ATS. One of those was a final-game win at tough Kansas State in overtime.
The Cyclones have a very interesting frontline that can give Texas trouble. Craig Brackins is a power forward type who is capable of 20 points and 10 boards. The same goes athletic small forward Marquis Gilstrap, an impressive junior college transfer. Throw in 6-foot-11 center Justin Hamilton, and you have something.
The backcourt is led by Diante Garrett, who averages 5 APG. Texas would love to have him on the roster right now.
Texas took the first meeting between the teams, 90-83 as eight-point road favorites. However, they were playing much better then.
Bet on Texas and Iowa State at BroburySports.com!
Posted: 3/10/10 1:30PM ET