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AUSTIN, Texas -- Freshman guard Daniel Gibson (Houston, Texas) posted 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, to lead No. 16 Texas to an 86-53 victory against Division II Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Texas) in the Longhorns' final exhibition game on Monday night before 3,798 fans at the Frank Erwin Center. Texas improved to a perfect 14-0 in exhibition contests in the Rick Barnes era.

Junior guard Kenton Paulino (Los Angeles, Calif.) had 13 points (5-of-8 FG) and four assists, while junior forward Brad Buckman (Austin, Texas) also added 13 points (9-of-10 FT), five rebounds and four steals to aid the Texas attack. Senior center Jason Klotz (Houston, Texas) tallied 12 points (6-of-9 FG), five boards and two blocks in 19 minutes, and freshman forward LaMarcus Aldridge (Dallas, Texas) recorded 11 points and six rebounds.

"We have to get better in a couple of areas," Klotz said following the victory. "We have to get physical and work on rebounding and defense. Other than that, we have guys who can score, so I think we're going to be alright in that area."

Texas, which trailed only once in the contest (2-0), jumped out to a 20-8 lead after a Gibson layup at the 11:53 mark. Tarleton State trimmed the margin to seven points (22-15) following a Randall Williams free throw with 9:47 left. The Longhorns then closed the half with a 19-8 spurt to take a 41-23 lead into halftime.

UT scored the first seven points out of the break to increase its advantage to 48-23 by the 18:08 mark. Leading 54-34 with 13:53 to play, a Klotz jumper and back-to-back steals that were converted into easy layups by Paulino helped start a 22-3 Texas run over the next six minutes which gave the Horns a commanding 76-37 advantage with 8:07 left.

UT held the Texans to 36.4% shooting on the evening and forced 31 turnovers. The Horns hit 46.9% from the floor but were outrebounded by Tarleton State by a 37-36 margin.

Texas freshman forward Mike Williams (Camden, Ala.) missed his second straight exhibition contest, as he continues to await word on a pending NCAA eligibility issue.

Tarleton State was paced by LaShon Sheffield with 17 points, while David Stephens added 14 points and seven rebounds.

Texas tips off the 2004-05 regular season with a home matchup against Texas State on Friday, Nov. 19 (7 p.m.) at the Erwin Center. The contest will not be televised.

POSTGAME QUOTES
TEXAS
HEAD COACH Rick Barnes
On Texas' performance against Tarleton State: Defensively, we had some good situations, but for the most part, I thought our help defense was good. We weren't nearly physical enough, rebounding the ball after getting them in some tough shooting positions. In the second half, we were much better at getting the ball inside. Defensively, I think we're working harder. Our help defense is moving along and we've really tried to work hard at getting our man defense ready because the zone defense is something we can work into. We only had 11 offensive rebounds and we need 16 plus, so give (Tarleton State) some credit. I don't think we're blocking out as well as we need to as a team.

On the guard play: Our point guards did a good job of handling the ball and I would only question a few shots. Kenton (Paulino) was good and I told the team that he, Sydmill (Harris) and Kenny (Taylor) were solid on defense. Kenton, Sydmill and Daniel are all interchangeable and I told them that we will use all of them.

SENIOR C JASON KLOTZ
On the team's readiness for the season: We have to get better in a couple of areas. We have to get physical and work on rebounding and defense. Other than that, we have guys that can score so I think we're alright in that area.

JUNIOR Kenton Paulino
On starting the regular season: I think we improved defensively along with our big man play, especially having Jason (Klotz) back. I think we're right where we need to, but coach Barnes will continue pushing us.

TARLETON STATE
HEAD COACH LONN REISMAN
On playing Texas: I think we did a pretty good job of making them run their half-court offense. They're a good club though. They really give you a lot of pressure and they double-team. (Daniel) Gibson and (LaMarcus) Aldridge have a unique level of talent and will be a definite factor in the Big 12. I thought losing Randall Williams really hurt us tonight. He's a big part of our momentum.