Texas’ Maui Invitational ended with the lifting of a trophy, beating North Carolina in the championship 69-67. Matt Coleman played the hero role, hitting the game-winning step-back jumper with 0.1 seconds left.
In what started as a back and forth game, Texas was eventually the team able to settle down and hit their shots. A 12 point halftime lead never felt safe with all of the talent North Carolina holds. A second-half push came from the Tar Heels but late, clutch shots won the tournament.
Coleman was fantastic throughout, leading both teams in scoring with 22 points. He shot an important 3-6 from behind the arc and 9-16 in total. Not only was he the best player for the Longhorns today but throughout the entire tournament.
Texas did a fantastic job containing North Carolina’s young guards on the offensive side of the floor, holding Caleb Love to five points. R.J. Davis finished with 11 points but five came from the free-throw line. He only shot 3-11 from the floor.
Garrison Brooks was still an issue down in the post. The preseason ACC player of the year led North Carolina with 18 points. While he did deal with a turned ankle late in the first half, Brooks came back and hit shots when he was called upon.
Much like Brock Cunningham was the star against Indiana, Royce Hamm was that for Texas on Wednesday. He only finished with two points but had four blocks and five rebounds. Even more of what he does will never show up on the stat sheet. Shaka Smart’s role players have taken a step up.
Player of the game – Matt Coleman
No words needed. 22 points, three assists, and one game-winning shot.
He Called Game!
Matt Coleman’s game-winner lifts #17 Texas over #14 North Carolina, 69-67. Shaka Smart and his newfound hair have Longhorn fans dreaming big this season. #MauiInvitationalChamps
Coleman: 22 PTS, 3 AST
— CollegeBB News (@CollegeBBNCAA) December 2, 2020
Highlights
Bizarre to witness a step back at the buzzer to win a championship and there be such a muted reaction. This shot deserved a full arena pic.twitter.com/FnJ5JpjSPU
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) December 2, 2020
Ball movement. A thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/AhyAXitUZu
— Longhorns Wire (@LonghornsWire) December 2, 2020
Hustle plays.@R0v_ce ▶️ Matt. #MauiHoops pic.twitter.com/TZG8hQ6APY
— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) December 2, 2020
Next up – Villanova on Sunday at noon on ESPN
Thought it would get easier for the Longhorns? Nope. Another top 15 team is on the slate as No. 12 Villanova will be heading to Austin. The Wildcats are 3-1 on the season, already getting a victory over Arizona State. Jay Wright’s squad is consistently one of the top programs in all of college basketball.
Texas must play with the same fight and defensive effort to pull off another crucial resume-building win. Villanova already averages nearly 80 points per game in just four games. Point guard Collin Gillespie is the household name but forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earle is budding into a star.
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