Nov. 27, 2008
Complete notes 
#6/7 TEXAS (4-1) vs. Rice (2-3)
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 · 2 p.m. Central
Frank Erwin Center (16,755) · Austin, Texas
GAME DAY QUICK FACTS
TELEVISION: The game will be televised by the Longhorn Sports Network. Kevin Eschenfelder (pxp) and Reid Gettys (analyst) will call the action. The game will be broadcast in the state of Texas only by Fox Sports Southwest. The contest will be available outside the state of Texas on the ESPN Full Court package.
RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300 AM Sportsradio The Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network and on XM Satellite Radio Ch. 231. Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
INTERNET AUDIO: Listen to Texas Basketball games on subscription-based Yahoo! Sports College Broadcast.
SERIES: Texas leads, 131-59. Last meeting: Texas 80-54 (Dec. 8, 2007; Houston)
Series vs. Rice
Sunday's contest marks the 191st meeting between Texas and Rice. The Longhorns hold a 131-59 lead in the all-time series, which dates back to a 28-14 Texas victory on Feb. 3, 1915 in Austin. Texas has won 10 of the last 11 and 25 of the last 30 contests against the Owls entering Sunday's game. This marks the first time Rice has visited the Erwin Center since the 1995-96 season, when both schools were members of the Southwest Conference. UT owns a 70-21 advantage in games played in Austin during the series.
Last Year in Houston
No. 4/5 Texas 80, Rice 54. Dec. 8, 2007. Toyota Center.
Damion James had 18 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Longhorns to a 26-point win before a pro-Texas crowd at the Toyota Center and a CSTV national television audience. D.J. Augustin had 18 points and seven assists without a turnover, while A.J. Abrams also added 18 points to pace the Horns. Defense and rebounding proved to be keys to the victory. Texas held Rice to 36.5% FG shooting on the night and posted a 49-36 advantage on the glass. Dexter Pittman had seven points, five boards and three assists in 16 minutes off the bench for the Horns. Texas hit 16-of-22 free throws on the night, while Rice converted just 3-of-11.
Horns at Home
Texas is in its 32nd year of play in the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns have posted an all-time record of 365-89 (.804) in the building. Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin, UT has recorded a 140-18 (.886) mark at the Erwin Center, including a 69-11 (.863) record in Big 12 Conference home games. Texas has a 24-8 (.750) mark against AP Top 25 teams at home during the Rick Barnes era. The Horns have won 94 of their last 100 home contests.
More Home Cooking
· Texas has registered a 115-10 (.920) record in home games against unranked (AP) opponents during the Rick Barnes era. The Horns have won 76 of their last 80 home contests against unranked foes.
· Texas has posted a 71-7 (.910) mark in non-conference home games during the Rick Barnes era. The Horns have won 65 of their last 67 non-conference home contests.
Lone Star State Dominance
Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin, the Longhorns have emerged as the dominant college basketball program in the state of Texas. The Horns have posted an 85-9 (.904) record against in-state foes during the Barnes era, including marks of 22-0 against Baylor, 16-5 against Texas A&M and 19-3 against Texas Tech.
Texas-Oregon Game Notes
· UT held Oregon to 34.6% FG shooting (18-of-52), including a 6-of-21 (.286) mark in the first half.
· Texas registered a +12 rebound margin (45-33). This marked the third time in the first five games that the Longhorns had posted at least a +10 rebound margin.
· The Horns recorded a 44-to-18 advantage in points in the paint and an 18-6 advantage in bench scoring.
· Damion James (21 points, 12 rebounds) recorded his second double-double of the year and 23rd of his career (78 games). He reached the 20-point mark for the first time this season and the sixth time in his career. James reached double figures in scoring for the fifth time this season and the 43rd time in his career. He reached double figures in rebounding for the second time this year and the 29th time in his career.
· Justin Mason (18 points) reached double figures in scoring for the second time this season and the 23rd time in his career (78 games). He set a career high in field goals made (8-of-15).
· Gary Johnson (12 points, eight rebounds) reached double figures in scoring for the fourth time this year and eighth time in his career (27 games).
· Connor Atchley grabbed a season-high nine rebounds (five offensive).
What's the Difference?
The big statistical difference in Texas' four wins and one loss this season can be traced to the defensive end of the court. In its four wins this year, Texas has held its opponents to an average of 49.0 points per contest and a combined 30.3% FG shooting, including a 22-of-85 (.259) mark from three-point range.
Cleaning the Glass
Texas has outrebounded its opponent in all five games to start the season. The Longhorns sport a +8.8 rebound margin (43.0-34.2) through the first five contests. Texas has recorded at least a +10 advantage in three of its first five games. UT posted a 48-37 advantage on the boards against No. 8/8 Notre Dame (Nov. 25). The Horns also registered a 45-33 edge on the glass against Oregon (Nov. 26).
James Improves Across the Board
Junior swingman Damion James is off to a solid start while transitioning to playing primarily on the perimeter. James enters Sunday's game after posting double-doubles in his last two contests. He had 11 points and 12 rebounds during Tuesday's semifinal loss to No. 8/8 Notre Dame, and tallied a game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds in Wednesday's win against Oregon. In the first five games this year, James leads the team in rebounding (8.6 rpg) and ranks second in scoring (15.0 ppg) while hitting 31-of-59 (.525) field goals.
Mason Returns to Form
Justin Mason had a solid performance during the three games at the EA Sports Maui Invitational, averaging 11.3 points, 4.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. Mason tallied 16 points (7-of-12 FG), five rebounds and seven assists against just one turnover in 37 minutes during Tuesday's semifinal against No. 8/8 Notre Dame. He added 18 points, five assists and five rebounds while hitting 8-of-15 field goals in Wednesday's win against Oregon. Through the first five games, Mason leads the team in assists (4.8 apg) and steals (10), ranks fourth in scoring (9.0 ppg) and rebounding (4.0 rpg) and is second in minutes played (33.0 mpg).
Johnson Provides Spark Off the Bench
Sophomore forward Gary Johnson has given the Horns an impact player off the bench early this season. In his three games at the EA Sports Maui Invitational, Johnson averaged 12.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while hitting 10-of-11 (.909) free throws. He recorded his first collegiate double-double with 14 points (5-of-8 FG, 4-of-5 FT) and a career-high 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes during Monday's win against Saint Joseph's. Johnson added 10 points and eight boards in Tuesday's semifinal against No. 8/8 Notre Dame. He tallied 12 points (6-of-6 FT) and eight boards in Wednesday's win against Oregon. Through the first five games, Johnson ranks second on the team in rebounding (7.8 rpg) and third in scoring (10.6 ppg) in 22.4 minutes per contest.
