In a game featuring the return of Texas forward Jason Klotz, it wasn't the dominating big men but rather the quick hands on the perimeter that shined for Texas.
The Longhorns forced 31 turnovers Monday night as they defeated Tarleton State 86-53 in their final exhibition game of the season.
Point guards Kenton Paulino and Daniel Gibson each produced two steals and ran the floor early, leading Texas to 16 fast break points and 35 points off turnovers.
"Our point guards did a good job of handling the ball, and I would only question a few shots," Texas head coach Rick Barnes said.
Klotz, returning from a bruised thigh that kept him out of last Tuesday's exhibition against Lenoir-Rhyne, was dominant inside with 10 of his 12 points coming from the paint.
After a slow start, Klotz found his rhythm in the second half, at one point connecting on five consecutive shots before missing the target on a 3-point shot.
Despite the return of Klotz, the Longhorns had difficulties on the glass. Texas dominated the boards against Lenoir-Rhyne but struggled against the Texans, being out-rebounded 37-36.
"I thought we really hustled," Tarleton head coach Lonn Reisman said. "We were really physical on the boards."
Tarleton used its speed to out-maneuver its larger Texas counterparts, resulting in an early advantage on the offensive glass.
"I think it'll be good for our big players to understand that when we play against smaller guys, and they've got leverage on them, if they don't get down and move their feet, they can't run down the ball and rebound," Barnes said.
Although the big men couldn't gain the advantage on the glass, the post offense emerged for the Longhorns.
Klotz, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brad Buckman combined for 36 points as the Longhorns outscored the Texans 40-16 in the paint.
"I think we improved defensively along with our big man play, especially having [Klotz] back," Paulino said.
Aldridge dazzled the crowd on several occasions, finishing an ally-lay up in the first half and thundering home an ally-oop late in the game.
Tuesday's exhibition was the final tune-up for the Longhorns as they open up the regular season against Texas State on Friday.
"I think we're right where we need to be, but I don't know if coach Barnes feel that way," Paulino said.
Freshmen Mike Williams, who is currently under investigation by the NCAA for eligibility issues, and Connor Atchley, who the coaching staff is considering redshirting, did not play.
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