OTF Premium No. 7 Texas 109, Chicago State 59: Longhorns react to season-opening win

[Jeff Howe]

AUSTIN, Texas — Matas Vokietaitis’ game-high 22 points led five players in double figures as No. 7 Texas 109-59 cruised to a season-opening win over Chicago State at Moody Center on Monday.

There were signs of the Longhorns fulfilling Sean Miller’s desire to play a better brand of defense in his second season on the Forty Acres. Texas (1-0) forced 15 turnovers, recorded eight steals and blocked six shots, four of which came from Marcus Spears Jr.

The highly-touted freshman scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench in his collegiate debut. Spears headlined a productive opening night for the Longhorn freshmen.

Austin Goosby (seven points, seven rebounds and eight assists) got the start alongside Vokietaitis, Isaiah Johnson (18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals), Elyjah Freeman (five points and four rebounds) and David Punch (nine points, three rebounds and three assists). Joe Sterling scored 14 points (4-for-6 3-pointers) off the bench and Bo Ogden (eight points, two rebounds and two steals) played well in 14 minutes.

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[Jeff Howe]

This will be our thread for the postgame press conference.

[hookem1014]

Really liked what Marcus Spears Jr did in his first game. Finished with 4 blocks! Matas, Punch, and Johnson all as advertised even Sterling lit it up from deep🤘

Should also mention OU lost to East TAMU while being 28.5 point favorites 😂

[Jeff Howe]

 

[Jeff Howe]

 

[Jeff Howe]

 

[Gerry Hamilton]

 

[Gerry Hamilton]

 

[Jeff Howe]

Marcus Spears Jr. said it meant a lot to him to see his dad's segment on Monday Night Countdown. They've been through a lot together, he said, so it meant a lot to see that, even though his dad couldn't be here tonight.

[Jeff Howe]

Spears said he's focused on the stuff that he needs to fix, not what he did well tonight.

[Jeff Howe]

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Spears said he's focused on the stuff that he needs to fix, not what he did well tonight.

Spears: "It's the first game, so we've got a long road ahead of us."

[Jeff Howe]

Isaiah Johnson called Austin Goosby a Swiss Army knife who is "a great facilitator."

[Jeff Howe]

Johnson was pleased with the team's intensity. He was proud of the fact that Texas got deflections early and brought the intensity on defense.

[Jeff Howe]

Spears said he's seen a lot of games at Moody Center and it was great to actually play a game on the court.

[Jeff Howe]

On Sean Miller's challenge to him to be a better defender and rebounder, Matas said he thinks he's getting better in both areas.

[Jeff Howe]

Sean Miller opened his press conference by thanking the students for showing up at 8 p.m. on a Monday night and making a difference for Texas in the home opener.

[Jeff Howe]

Miler reiterating that Mikey Lewis' foot injury has created an opportunity for Austin Goosby, Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling to get more minutes.

[Jeff Howe]

Miller believes in this team's depth and feels like multiple guys are capable of leading Texas in various statistical categories on a given night.

[Jeff Howe]

The freshmen have talent, but Miller said they all show up every day ready to work and get better.

[Jeff Howe]

Miller said he doesn't think he's been around two true freshmen who can shoot the ball as well as Ogden and Sterling.

[Jeff Howe]

On challenging Matas, Miller said he's had a good week since the St. John's exhibition. 

"He's a pro," Miller said.

[Jeff Howe]

Matas needs to set the tone, Miller said. That's what he believes Matas learned from the St. John's game.

[Jeff Howe]

Miller: "Defense is connected to offense in basketball."

Marcus Spears' blocked shots can lead to opportunities in transition and Texas playing with better pace.

[Jeff Howe]

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Miller: "Defense is connected to offense in basketball."

Marcus Spears' blocked shots can lead to opportunities in transition and Texas playing with better pace.

Miller liked the defensive effort. There were plenty of deflections and steals. 

[Jeff Howe]

Miller: "I believe we've had a great five months."