QUIET MAN
PAULINO'S ONE SHINING MOMENT
2006 NCAA TOURNAMENT: TEXAS 74
WEST VIRGINIA 71
In a rematch of a regular season
game played early in November, Texas prevailed closely, again. Last
time Texas met West Virginia, they were playing in the preseason
tournament of Guardian Classic. West Virginia was cruising
throughout until they missed free throws down the stretch. LaMarcus
Aldridge grabbed an offensive rebound and then the put back gave
Texas an one point lead. With seconds left on the clock, West
Virginia's Mike Gansey came out of nowhere with the ball and had a
layup opportunity to win the game. LaMarcus Aldridge stood right
under the basket and made a textbook defensive vertical jump to
block the shot and saved the game.
Today's game was quite similar all
around, including the result, which had Texas winning again. This
time by Kenton Paulino's desperate three point shot as time expired.
Texas was in control most of the game. The largest lead was 12 right
before half time. West Virginia fought back into the game with their
signiture three point shooting. Texas was able to control the tempo
in the second despite the close margin. West Virginia's center Kevin
Pittsnogle made a three point with five seconds left to tie the game
at 71. Texas head coach Rick Barnes did not call a timeout to draw a
play to win with five seconds left. Instead he let the game to
continue with West Virginia playing with a loose defense. Freshman
point guard A.J. Abrams advanced the ball to the front court then
made a bad pass to a open Kenton Paulino. Paulino saved the ball
from going out of bound and jacked up a desperation three, and it
was good!
Paulino said afterwards he had never
made a game winning shot in his life. It was unusual to see him show
his emotions after the shot went in, a definite contrast to his
quiet demeanor.
Texas won the rebound battle 43-15
with Aldridge getting 13 and P.J. Tucker getting 14. Many of them
were key offensive rebounds. Texas won the last matchup with the
margin of 19. Texas was able to dominate the inside with the
presence of Aldridge and Tucker. Senoir forward Brad Buckman played
only 17 minutes, less than backups Abrams and Mike Williams, due to
Rick Barnes' choice of using a small lineup on defense to counter
West Virginia's three point game.
Texas played very well in this game.
They were in control of the tempo throughout, and winning the
rebound battle, especially with offensive rebounds, was a huge
difference in the game. Up next is the dark horse LSU who beat the
number one seed Duke earlier this evening. LSU's big guy down low
Glen Davis put up a performance in the game. This matchup will put
two of the best front courts in the country together. LSU also
feature a projected NBA lottery pick freshman Tyrus Thomas.
3.23.06 |
