Texas avoided disappointment on Monday. After trailing Division II squad St. Edward’s at half, the Longhorns turned on the jets to win the exhibition, 84-63.
Texas guard Tyrese Hunter led the offense with 22 points and nine assists. Hunter had an up-and-down season last year but flashed ability on occasion. If his performance is a sign of things to come, the Longhorns offense could be dangerous.
Oral Roberts transfer guard Max Abmas scored 18 points followed by 14 points from second-year forward Dillon Mitchell.
Abmas shared his thoughts on what makes exhibition games like these so important.
“These early games are going to be us continuing to build that chemistry, continuing to figure out what spots each of us likes from the first two games. I think we’re continuing to learn that it’s only going to get better as the year goes on.”
Texas head coach Rodney Terry already faces pressure despite giving the program its best postseason showing since 2009. He modeled the steady confidence the team needs from the head coaching position in the scrimmage.
Terry spoke to what presented the team challenges early.
“We knew they were a really good shooting team. They were going to really challenge us to sit down, stay in stance, and really try to go hard. They got off to a great start shooting the basketball at a good clip and they showed us down in transition.”
You can expect more suspense over the course of the season. We certainly have concerns over whether or not this roster is as good as it was a year ago. Nevertheless, Terry found ways to win big games last year. Perhaps he has what it takes to do it again this season.
FINAL | Texas 84, St. Edward's 63
After a shaky first half where the Hilltoppers finished the first 20 with the lead, the Texas defense put in a much better effort and the offense cruised to a 52-point half
Hunter 22p 9a
Abmas 18p
Mitchell 14p 9r— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) October 31, 2023