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NCAA ROUND 1 Thoughts: Texas 81, Virginia Tech 73

On3 imageby:Justin Wells•03/18/22
On3 image
Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images

Texas went to Milwaukee, Wis. as the favorite, but was almost universally picked to be upset in its matchup with Virginia Tech on Friday. They proved many wrong with a 81-73 win over the Hokies in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. 

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Game thoughts

1. Andrew Jones – One Shining Moment. The senior from Irving hit five first half three-pointers, which single-handedly kept Texas in the game over the first 20 minutes. After going through everything he’s endured in his time on the Forty Acres, you’d be hard pressed to find a bigger moment for the Lone Star State native. 

Texas didn’t score for almost the first five minutes. Jones’ hot start was exactly what the doctor ordered. In the end it was a balanced attack – Timmy Allen had 14 points, Marcus Carr added 15 points , and Christian Bishop and Courtney Ramey added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Still, it was Jones’ 21 points that led all scorers and that was easily one of the best stories from the start of March Madness this week. 

2. Marcus Carr – His Best Day: The Minnesota transfer is known as a volume shooter, but today was pure efficiency. He tallied 15 points and nine assists with one turnover. For a point guard, that’s doing your damn job. He was the perfect complement to Jones’ hot hand. 

3. Chris Beard – First NCAA win in first season in ATX: The meeting in the Plainview McDonald’s might go down in history, but Chris Beard was brought to Texas to win games in March, plain and simple. Known for doing just that, including his national championship game appearance, Beard brought in a cast of experienced characters and sold them on the future of Texas Basketball. 

With today’s win, Beard’s bunch beat a red-hot Virginia Tech team, which coming in winning 13 of its last 15 and an ACC Tournament title with stifling defense, unusually solid offensive rebounding. Unfortunately for the Hokies, Jones and Carr hit from behind the arc. Beard’s style might lack appeal at times, but knows how to win in the most important month in his profession. 

Next Up: Purdue. The Boilermakers have size that may present a problem for Texas.

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