AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) – Timmy Allen hit the go-ahead jumper, then Marcus Carr delivered the game-sealing steal and free throws. A few seconds later, Texas fans stormed the court.
The No 20 Longhorns tightened up the Big 12 standings on Monday night with an intense 79-76 win over No 8 Kansas as they made the late plays and shots to overcome a blistering second-half shooting effort from the Jayhawks.
The Longhorns earned the biggest win so far for first-year coach Chris Beard, but the coach and players shrugged off the moment as one of many to come.
“It’s good for us but it’s not the biggest thing in the world,” said Allen, who scored 24 points in an impressive all-around performance. “We have higher goals than just beating somebody on our home floor.” Texas outscored Kansas 7-0 in the final minute. The Jayhawks led 76-72 before the Longhorns’ Tre Mitchell, who had missed all five of his 3-point attempts, banked one in to get the Longhorns within one.
“That was big time, a shooter’s touch,” Texas forward Christian Bishop said.
Kansas then turned it over when Ochai Agbaji’s lob to David McCormack bounced off the front of the rim and Texas snatched the rebound. The Jayhawks then left Allen open just beyond the free-throw line for the go-ahead basket.
“I cut to my spot and I just raised up and shot it,” Allen said. “I like the midrange jumper, so I’m happy about it.”
