Texas Looks to Extend Strong Start to Season as it Hosts Delaware State
The No. 18 Texas Longhorns are looking to build on their impressive start to the season as they welcome Delaware State to Austin, Texas. After a commanding 88-56 victory over Incarnate Word in their season opener, Texas is eager to continue their winning momentum and solidify their player rotation.
In their first game, Texas showcased a formidable lineup with several key transfers making an impact. Ithiel Horton, a transfer from UCF, led the team with 17 points, while Kadin Shedrick (Virginia) and Max Abmas (Oral Roberts) added 12 points each. The Longhorns also received solid contributions from returners Tyrese Hunter and Ze’Rik Onyema (UTEP), who both scored 11 points. The team’s depth was evident as they continuously rotated players and maintained a high level of play on both ends of the court.
Texas’ efficient offensive performance resulted in a 55 percent shooting percentage in the first half, with every player who entered the game making a field goal. Head coach Rodney Terry expressed his satisfaction with the team’s identity, emphasizing their focus on strong defense, fast transition play, and dominating the boards.
Coach Terry, who secured his first win as the permanent head coach, now holds an impressive record of 23-8 with the Longhorns dating back to his time as acting and interim head coach last season. One standout in the game was Kadin Shedrick, who overcame a shoulder injury to contribute significantly in just 12 minutes of playing time. Shedrick hit all three of his field goal attempts and was 6 of 7 from the free throw line, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Delaware State, a team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, arrives in Austin following a 79-45 loss to Penn State. Corey Perkins and Martaz Robinson led the Hornets with nine points each, while the bench added 19 points. Although their shooting percentage was relatively low at 28.8 percent, Delaware State’s defense forced 21 turnovers in the game.
Robinson, selected to the preseason All-MEAC First Team, played in all 30 games last season and averaged 11.8 points per game. The Hornets were predicted to finish sixth in the conference’s preseason poll after landing in seventh place last year. Their non-conference schedule also includes a matchup against the ACC’s Wake Forest on December 18.
Delaware State’s coach, Stan Waterman, believes that the non-conference games will provide valuable insights into the team before entering conference play. The Hornets aim to learn from these challenging matchups and improve their performance to make a mark in the MEAC.
As the Longhorns host Delaware State, they enter the game as clear favorites based on their dominant start. Texas will look to capitalize on their depth and athleticism, while Delaware State aims to bounce back and prove their resilience against a formidable opponent. The clash between these two teams promises an exciting contest as Texas seeks to extend their winning streak and Delaware State aims to show their potential for the season ahead.
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