COLLEGE TOP 25 ROUNDUP: James’ 18 points lead No. 3 Texas to 73-41 win
Published 11:13 pm Wednesday, November 18, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas — Damion James scored 18 points and No. 3 Texas continued to break in its talented group of freshmen with a 73-41 win over Western Carolina on Wednesday night.
James, a senior, also grabbed seven rebounds, falling three short of his 39th career double-double for the Longhorns (2-0).
Gary Johnson, a junior forward who played just 14 minutes in Texas’ season-opening win over UC-Irvine, added 10 points and seven rebounds.
“I just want to do whatever will make this team win. That’s all that matters as you get older and mature. I’m a junior now. Things change. I know I can score,” Johnson said.
Freshman point guard J’Covan Brown scored 10 points and had his first assists of the season, finishing with three assists and six turnovers.
Harouna Mutombo scored 10 points to lead the Catamounts (1-1).
Texas’ freshmen looked nervous Sunday against UC-Irvine, and this one wasn’t without early missteps. But there weren’t as many mistakes — or minutes on the court — as coach Rick Barnes continued mixing and matching young players with veterans.
Brown’s 21 minutes were the most of the young players. He had an early turnover in the opening minutes and Avery Bradley put up an air ball on a 3-pointer on his first attempt. But Bradley gave Texas its first lead with a steal and dunk that started a 20-6 run. Johnson scored six points in the spurt.
Brown was academically ineligible to play last season and is working the rust off his game, but found his shooting touch late in the first half. He made two 3-pointers and a driving, scoop layup at the buzzer that gave Texas a 43-24 halftime lead.
Brown also got a rude welcome to college ball when the Catamounts ran him into a hard screen midway through the second half. He stayed on the ground for a few seconds but was able to keep playing.
Texas out-rebounded Western Carolina 47-32 and held the Catamounts to 26 percent shooting.
No. 11 Butler 67, Northwestern 54
EVANSTON, Ill. — Shelvin Mack had 15 points, Gordon Hayward added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 11 Butler showed off its depth with a victory over Northwestern.
Five players had nine points or better for the Bulldogs (2-0), who never trailed in beating Northwestern (1-1) for a second straight year. Mack also dished out eight assists. Michael Thompson scored 16 and John Shurna 14 for short-handed Northwestern.
