Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Texas
Tech Loses OT Heartbreaker To Longhorns
January 14, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 14, 2002
By BETSY BLANEY
Associated Press Writer
LUBBOCK, Texas - Bob Knight knew a missed 3-pointer at the overtime buzzer wasn't the only reason Texas Tech lost to Texas on Monday night.
"We had some chances," Knight said after the Longhorns held off his Red Raiders 74-71 in OT. "I think you can always look at a shot you missed or whatever, but we made some defensive mistakes that cost us at different times during the game."
However, the game came down to free-throw shooting, and Texas' James Thomas came through. With the Longhorns ahead 72-71, Thomas was fouled after rebounding a missed free throw by Tech, then hit two free throws with 6.9 seconds left.
"I just told myself to take my time, and I would make them," Thomas said.
Added coach Rick Barnes: "James works as hard as anyone on the team on free throws. He had missed a couple earlier, but he went out there and made the two that really mattered."
The Red Raiders (13-3, 2-2 Big 12) still had a chance to force a second OT. Marcus Shropshire, a good 3-point shooter, got the ball at the top of the key but his shot bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
T.J. Ford, Brandon Mouton and Thomas scored 18 points apiece for the Longhorns (12-4, 3-0 Big 12). Thomas also had 12 rebounds. Royal Ivey added 14 points.
The Longhorns pulled ahead midway through the second half after holding the Red Raiders scoreless for almost five minutes and going on a 17-4 run. But Tech came back and led by one with less than a minute to play when Kasib Powell made a free throw.
Tech had a chance to win it twice in the final 10 seconds of regulation. With the score tied at 64, Mikey Marshall made a bad pass into the hands of a Texas player while trying to get the ball to Ellis. But as the Longhorns hurried down court, Valdez stole the ball and passed to Andre Emmett, who missed a shot at the buzzer.
Andy Ellis led Tech with 23 points, and Emmett added 21.
Knight seemed more animated and spirited than in any game he's coached this season. He pumped his fist and clapped his hands enthusiastically when one of his players drew an offensive foul in the first half in front of the Tech bench.
Tech led 37-36 at halftime.
Texas is now 11-1 with Tech since the Big 12 formed in 1996. Barnes is 7-0 against Tech.
