The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
UTSA
Tuckers score 19 in second half to key Men's Basketball win
12.29.2004 | Men's Basketball
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- P.J. Tucker didn't start for Texas (No. 12 ESPN/USA Today; No. 15 AP) on Wednesday night as punishment for returning late from Christmas vacation.
He only scored two points in the first half of a surprisingly close game against Texas-San Antonio, but then had 19 in the second half to lead the Longhorns to a 100-82 victory.
"It was my job to be a leader and step up," said Tucker, who had 12 rebounds. "We all knew that they were not going to quit, so we kicked it up."
Texas (9-2) fell behind 70-66 on a layup by David President midway through the second half. But Tucker then scored six points in an 11-1 run that gave Texas the lead for good. The Longhorns then went on a 14-4 run to put the game away.
Texas coach Rick Barnes wondered whether the slow first half was in part because his team was tired after returning to practice following a long holiday layoff.
"The only two guys who had much bounce were P.J., who missed practice due to his airplane problems, and Kenton Paulino who was nursing a pulled left hamstring," Barnes said. "Maybe there is something to the dead legs theory."
The Longhorns tied the school record with 13 blocked shots led by Jason Klotz's seven. Texas outrebounded UTSA 34-29.
Justin Harbert led Texas-San Antonio (4-5) with 25 points. He was 10-of-12 from the field, including 5-of-7 on 3-pointers, and almost single-handedly kept UTSA within reach.
Texas led 15-2 on nine points from freshman Daniel Gibson. He finished with 19 points, going 4-of-9 on 3-pointers, and had five assists.
But Harbert kept the game close. He scored eight points in a 12-4 run to help UTSA pull within 29-25. Then he scored nine points in a 13-3 run to cut Texas' lead to 49-47 at halftime.
The Roadrunners also got 16 points from Andre Owens and 14 from John Millsap.
But Texas was too deep, getting 13 points from Kenny Taylor, 12 from Brad Buckman and 10 from LaMarcus Aldridge.
"We knew it'd be a tough place to come in here and play, but we thought we learned something even in the loss," UTSA coach Tim Carter said.
It was the 36th home win for Texas in the past 37 games. The Longhorns are 6-0 at home this season.
POSTGAME QUOTES
TEXAS
Head Coach Rick Barnes
On playing UTSA: We told the guys about UTSA. We have been watching them and knew they would put up a good fight. They are an older group of guys. Their coach does a great job with his program. They don't get rattled. I knew they were going to be one of the better teams we have played yet.
On pulling away for the win in the second half: We settled for our lead in the first half. It was a first half I expected from UTSA. I give them credit. They made their shots. It was a hard played game. Our size inside eventually wore them down. The younger guys really stepped up. The second half we did a better job containing them. I like the way we responded after the first half.
Guard Daniel Gibson
On the team's defensive effort: I wasn't surprised at the quality of (UTSA's) play. Coach Barnes told us that they had experience against strong opponents like us. They played well and made a lot of tough shots, but our main goal is still to continue improving on defense by coming together as a unit.
Forward P.J. Tucker
On the game against UTSA: I had to step up (in the second half) and be a leader to get everyone going. I tip my cap to UTSA. We knew they would be good. You can't win a game like this in five or 10 minutes. You have to play the full 40 minutes. Our effort on defense picked up in the second half, but there is still room for a lot of improvement.
UT-SAN ANTONIO
Head Coach Tim Carter
On playing Texas: I knew we would compete. We have done that all year. The number one thing we want to do when we play a team like Texas is try to win. But most importantly, we'd like to make sure we walk away learning something.
On the loss to Texas: They did what a team at their level is suppose to do. They dominated us. They outrebounded us and we couldn't get second-chance shots. They turned it up in the second half and that is what a great basketball team is supposed to do.
Guard Justin Harbert
On getting open shots: My teammates helped me a lot by setting good screens which allowed me to get so many (good) shots. Everyone was getting open.
