Myck Kabongo had 14 points, but couldn’t stop Texas (12-6, 2-3) from falling again to Kansas State (13-4,2-3) 84-80 in Manhattan, Kansas. Kabongo played another brilliant game until his turnover and subsequent slam by Rodney McGruder sealed the game for the Wildcats. Kabongo also had 10 assists in the losing effort, for his second double-double in as many games. Kabongo has played like a five star point guard since turning 20 January 12th, a trend Texas fans must hope he continues if they are to make the NCAA Tournament.

J’Covan Brown had a team high 22 points, but struggled to find his shot shooting just 8-28 from the field. Brown scored only five points in the first half and hit only 4-of-18 from the field until hitting two of his three shots in the final minute. He was only able to get to the free throw line twice, a number that must increase if Texas is to win.

After struggling to find his shot over the last few games, Sheldon McClellan scored 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting. McClellan’s ability to score should take pressure off of Brown in the future, as hopefully the freshman uses this as his breakout game of Big 12 play. Clint Chapman put up another 11 points and seven rebounds, but was limited in playing time due to foul trouble and fouled out with 20 seconds to go in the game. Jonathan Holmes scored only one point before fouling out, and forwards Alexis Wangmene and Jaylen Bond had four fouls each. Freshman guard Julien Lewis hit both his shots for five points, but was also limited by foul trouble.

Texas ended up shooting a season best 19-of-21 from the foul line including a team record 14-of-14 in the first half. They significantly outshot the Wildcats from the line percentage wise, but Kansas State sunk 21 of 39 attempts including missing five of six in the final 35 seconds. As mentioned before, McGruder absolutely dominated Texas by scoring a career high 33 points, more than twice his closest teammate. Texas was able to gain a 31-11 advantage in points off the bench, but lost the battle in the paint 38-30.

Game Grade: B

The ‘Horns came into The Octagon of Doom, and were affected early by the crowd allowing the Wildcats to build a 36-21 advantage with 7:34 left in the first half. However, Texas was able to regain its composure and end the half on a 21-7 run to cut the deficit to 43-42. Texas managed to stay neck and neck with the Wildcats for a majority of the second half, but ultimately didn’t have what it took to end the curse Kansas State has on them. Texas will have a good chance to end the curse when they host Kansas State down the road, in a game that will most likely be a must win to make it into the field of 68.

The good news for Texas is that this was not a complete loss like to North Carolina. Despite falling to the Wildcats, the Longhorns received another “moral victory” and growing experience for one of the youngest teams in college basketball. Texas managed to hang in the game despite times the game appeared out of reach. Texas shot well from the line, a trend that they should be able to continue at home. Kabongo also showed consistency in the loss, as he looks to have taken the next step which is all the more reason to be optimistic for this team.

Barnes increased the emphasis on getting Brown the ball. While this should pay dividends in the future, Barnes chose the wrong game to do so. Brown shot a season high 28 attempts, many of which he should have deferred to his teammates because of his struggles. When the Longhorns face Kansas on Saturday, it is crucial that Brown gets a feel of his shot early and doesn’t force his points like he did in this game. Some of Brown’s 28 shots would’ve been better served going to McClellan. Still, this game is encouraging for the future as McClellan once again played like the star he could potentially be on a consistent basis with a year or two of experience under his belt.

The one category that the ‘Horns need to most glaringly improve on is their opponent’s first half three point percentage. The Wildcats shot 7-of-12 from behind the arc during the first 20 minutes. In all three of Texas’ conference losses, Texas has not been able to defend the three point arc in the first half allowing 9-of-11 and 8-of-11 against Iowa State and Missouri respectively. If the ‘Horns are going to make a case for the NCAA tournament, the Texas defense must stay perfect at the Erwin Center, where they’ll look to defend home court against Kansas. A loss to Kansas will start Texas 2-4 in conference play as well as 0-3 in the first half of a brutal six game stretch.