!3 New Mexico State 4 Texas
Region: East
Coach: Reggie Theus
Record: 25-8
Top scorer: Guard Justin Hawkins, 15.7
Top rebounder: Hawkins, 6.8
Keys to victory:
1. Continue the selflessness that has resulted in four players, Hawkins, Tyrone Nelson, Elijah Ingram – who has 66 3-pointers – and former Pullman player Fred Peete, transfers all from other colleges, scoring in double figures.
2. Try and use their size to win the rebounding battle. When the Longhorns have been outrebounded, Texas’ record is just 6-6. The goal, say Aggies, is to pound Texas inside and not concentrate all defensive efforts on Durant, who is only one of several talented players.
3. Take advantage of its versatility in terms of style and experience and get easy shots. Players said they are counting on, as the game goes on and gets more physical, to exploit Texas youth. Coach Reggie Theus said the bottom line for New Mexico State is that the Aggies must play harder than their opponent.
Region: East
Coach: Rick Barnes
Record: 24-9
Top scorer: Forward/Guard Kevin Durant 25.6
Top rebounder: Durant, 11.3
Keys to victory:
1. Taking care of the basketball against the pressuring defensive style of the Aggies, who, actually have committed as many turnovers as they have caused, and, said coach Rick Barnes, getting back in transition to prevent the four-pronged double figures scoring attack by a quartet of transfers.
2. Play like they’re older than their years and continue to play loose. Six of seven players on Texas’ team are contributing freshmen, including point guard D.J. Augustin, and the second-leading scorer, A.J. Abrams, is a sophomore.
3. Continue to get the offensive production that Durant has provided and leadership of Augustin. Durant was among the top five in the nation in scoring and rebounding, one of just two from a major conference in the past 25 years to do so.