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Texas Longhorns Defeat Pittsburgh 78-62, Win O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Dogus Balbay proved himself as a vital component of the Longhorns' success, contributing 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists as the third-ranked University of Texas defeated Pittsburgh 78-62 in the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. Damion James led the team with 20 points and was named the tournament's most valuable player, alongside freshman Dexter Pittman, who scored 10 points and was named to the all-tournament team.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Texas, led by coach Rick Barnes, adapted to the absence of starting guard Varez Ward, who suffered an unknown injury, by inserting freshman J'Covan Brown into the starting lineup, who scored 12 points in the win.
  • Damion James, the tournament's most valuable player, contributed 20 points and 9 rebounds, including three critical ones with 3:58 left to seal the win.
  • Texas withstood a strong push from Pittsburgh in the first half, ultimately taking a 55-47 lead into halftime after being scoreless for the final 4:44 of the period and surrendering an 11-0 run by the Panthers.
  • Pittsburgh's Brad Wanamaker scored 13 points, but the team was plagued by the absence of Jermaine Dixon, its only returning starter from last season, who has a broken foot.
  • The Longhorns' 14-3 run in the second half, sparked by a pass from Dexter Pittman to Damion James, proved to be the turning point in the game, as they outscored Pittsburgh 23-13 in the final 11 minutes.
  • Despite Pittman's initial exit due to fouls, he made a key contribution to the winning run and ultimately corroborated 10 points.
  • Pittsburgh's Lamar Patterson made consecutive 3-point baskets during the 11-0 run in the first half.

Statistics:

  • 78: The final score of the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, marking the third-ranked Longhorns' 4-0 start and their victory in the tournament.
  • 62: The score of the Pitt Panthers, maintaining their 4-1 record despite the loss.
  • 20: The number of points scored by Texas's Damion James, leading the tournament for the most valuable player award.
  • 9: The number of rebounds obtained by Damion James in the game.
  • 3:58: The time left when James sealed the game with three critical points.
  • 11-0: The impressive scoring run by Pittsburgh in the first half, taking a 34-32 lead into halftime.
  • 4:44: The duration of Texas's scoreless streak in the first half.
  • 14-3: The critical run by the Longhorns in the second half, sparked by a pass from Dexter Pittman to Damion James.

Sources:

  • "Texas 78, Pittsburgh 62". Agate. Associated Press, 2009.

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