Looking for reasons to take Texas

jaypaw · Jan 13, 2004

Texas is favored by a few points but I can't figure out why. Maybe someone could help me?

It "feels" like a game they could win, and in doing so it would bump them up pretty good. I know they're not as good as they were last year but I am skeptical about the reality of Wake being in the top 5.

I break the game down like this :

Texas has played 4 games that are relevant thus far. They've lost 2 (vs Arizona by 8, and at Duke by 28), and won 2 (winning at providence by 2, and vs Baylor by 22).

Wake has also played 4 games that are relevant thus far. They've won them all (winning at North Carolina by 5, and vs Memphis, Indiana, and Clemson by 9, 33, and 15 respectively).

The only injury of note is Wakes 6th highest scorer (8ppg but hasn't played in the last 5 games) 6'9" 230 pound forward Danelius who is still day to day with an ankle injury.

Texas has no injuries that I know of.

I dont think the final outcome of the providence game did them justice as Texas led most of the game. I dont know if they got into foul touble or what but providence sure was pesky...

Arizona and Duke are pretty well reounded and were be able to spead out Texas.

North Carolina (who wake beat in 3OT) was able to play with wake... did anyone see what it was that they did that kept them in the game? Does Texas have the ability to do the same?

I hate playing hunches and on paper I can't come up with Texas being able to win this game - but I'm gonna have trouble not playing them...

GreenDoberman · Jan 13, 2004

Jay, If you like em pick em, but here are a couple of reasons for you.

1)Rebounding- Texas leads nation in reb. margin.

2) Defense- Texas is holding opponents at or under 40% for year.

3) Home Court- Horns backers will be up for this big time.

4) Matchup- Wake's strength is their quickness on the perimeter, Texas can match this.

5) Familiarity- Barnes coached in the ACC and is familiar with Wake

just some food for thought.

jaypaw · Jan 13, 2004

I was under the impression that the consensus was that the strength of wake was their ability to slam it inside.

Is this not the case?

I havent seen the team much and I just don't know.

It looks like they have dominated in that regard just from reading the writeups about their big wins...

And I know that Texas isnt strong inside.

I agree with you though and thanks for the input I still like texas but I also think wake will give them a game for sure.

KAPPER · Jan 13, 2004

Jaypaw,

Couple of thoughts.

Texas beating Baylor is not a game of significance.

Texas is very strong inside. James Thomas (although he is off to a slow start), Brad Buckman (McDonalds AA).

Texas is very deep they play 11.

Texas 23 game home winning streak.

With all of that said -- and as a Horn fan -- I think that they will be on the short end tonight.

Texas has blown away a ton of crappy teams. The only semi impressive game this year is the victory last Monday over Providence, and quite frankly I'm not sure how impressive of a win that was.

I watch the Wake UNC game over Christmas and they were very impressive. They were down early but made up the deficit by the half. Winning at UNC this year is something to hang your hat on.

I think that getting 4 pts on Wake is very generous.

Hope this helps