Filed under: Connecticut, Texas, Big 12, Big East
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns defended UConn guard Kemba Walker tightly, challenged his every shot, but in the end the nation's leading scorer made just enough baskets to lift the eighth-ranked Huskies to an 82-81 overtime victory over the 12th-ranked Longhorns on Saturday afternoon at the Erwin Center.Walker hit the game-winner on a fade-away jumper from 15 feet out with five seconds remaining in overtime as the Huskies bounced back from a disappointing loss to Notre Dame on Tuesday night. Walker scored seven of the Huskies' nine points in overtime, including an incredible one-handed 3-point heave from his hip to give his team three-point lead with 2:12 left to play in the extra period.
Walker, who was defended primarily by Longhorns guards Dogus Balbay and Cory Joseph, with a lot help from their post players, finished with game-high 22 points on 8 of 27 shooting for the game.
Texas guards Jordan Hamilton and J' Covan Brown led five Longhorns in double figures with 20 points apiece.
How It Was Won: On a day where Walker missed several shots, second-chance opportunities became huge for the Huskies. They grabbed 23 offensive boards and converted them into 24 second-chance points.
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How It Was Lost: In a close game where every point counted, the statistic that stands out the most for the Longhorns was their 0-for-3 showing from the free-throw line in overtime. Freshman post Tristan Thompson missed two free throws early in overtime and then senior forward Gary Johnson failed to convert his free throw to complete a three-point play with 3:55 remaining.
Key Stat: UConn outscored the Longhorns in the paint 42-32.
What We Liked: The thing that may be huge for the Huskies down the stretch is the number of players who stepped up as Walker faced constant double teams all game. Three other players scored in double figures, including 15 points from guard Shabazz Napier off the bench. Forward Roscoe Smith made some big plays to finish with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
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