Rodney Terry calls for improved defense after Texas gives up 58 points in each half

In their Big 12 home opener, the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball squad put up 103 points. Unfortunately for them, they allowed Kansas State to score 116, allowing the most points ever in a home opener for the program. Texas gave up 58 points in the first half and 58 points in the second half on their way to the third loss of the season. After the game, head coach Rodney Terry called on his team to improve their defense going forward.

“Yeah, no, I mean, we don’t want to give up that many (points). We gave up 58 points in a half,” said Terry. “Again, we weren’t guarding at the level that we are capable of guarding them. And we have a chance to have an elite defensive team, and we’ve worked on our defense since we’ve gotten back from Christmas. We knew we needed to work on our one-on-one defense and try to keep guys out of the paint.

“It’ll be an emphasis for the rest of the year in terms of trying to guard your guy. We’re going to do a great job of scouting and knowing what the other opponent is going to do. And when it breaks down, and it’s one-on-one, we’ve gotta sit down guard and finish possessions. But we’re going to work at it and continue to get better, and obviously, we know it’s an area we have to improve as a team.”

Texas falls in historic loss to Kansas State

Kansas State was able to win a track meet in impressive fashion, leaving the Moody Center with a 116-103 victory. It’s the most points an unranked team has ever scored in a road win against a top-10 opponent.

“Another great Kansas State stat from @ESPNStatsInfo: The 116 points they scored tonight at Texas are the most that an unranked team has EVER scored in a road win over a top-10 opponent,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello said via Twitter.

Triple digits have not been too far off from Kansas State this season, getting 90+ three different times. Incarnate Word was on the receiving end of 98 points in a nonconference showdown. A huge statement was made against one of the country’s best teams by new head coach Jermone Tang.

All five Wildcat starters were in double figures, with Markquis Nowell leading the way with 36 points and nine assists. Keyontae Johnson was not too far behind, dropping 28 points on 10 of 16 shooting.