Texas - Austin Peay Preview

South- Round One
Texas Longhorns (2) Vs. Austin Peay Governors (15)
Friday, March 21 @ 3:00 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Texas -15.5

The Texas Longhorns (13- 3 Big 12, 28- 6 overall) tied with the Kansas Jayhawks for the regular season championship and then lost to the Hawks 84- 74 in the Big 12 Tournament. When you consider everything, the Long Horns did pretty well without Kevin Durant.

Point guard D.J. Augustin (19.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.7 APG) is in charge of the offense, while guard A.J. Abrams (16.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG) is a sound shooter. Both are dangerous from downtown and both have good defensive skills. Guard/forward Damion Jones (13.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, .447 3-PT%) leads the club in both rebounds and threes. Forward/center Connor Atchley (9.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG), who is the team’s leading shot blocker, uses his big frame well to control the boards. Two problems for the Longhorns—their reliance on Augustin may result in his being spent and the lack of an interior game could isolate the perimeter, leaving it open to tough “D.”

The Austin Peay Governors (16- 4 OVC, 24- 10 overall) are headed to the Big Dance for the first time in five years. Along with finishing on top in the OVC’s regular season standings, the Governors won three straight to take the conference tourney.

Austin Peay’s primary strength may also be their major weakness. This team generates 31% of its points from beyond the arc. As a team, they convert 38.6% of their long distance attempts. Senior Todd Babington is accurate 38% of the time, while Derek Wright sinks 41% of his bombs. Kyle Duncan makes an astounding 57% from downtown and 54% from the field. On defense, there’s a lack of blocked shots but plenty of steals (9.7 per game).

The Texas Longhorns hold an edge physically over their next opponent. Austin Peay is looking for respect. The result of the collision between these two clubs should be mesmerizing.

Enjoyed this game preview? Read all of the 2008 March Madness Tournament coverage Maddux Sports is putting out this year. This includes brackets, picks, and live betting lines.