AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Jai Lucas thought his performance against Arkansas last season earned him some minutes on Tuesday. He may just get to play all 40 next time Texas sees the Razorbacks.
Lucas, who played a season-high 23 minutes, defended Arkansas’ leading scorer Rotnei Clarke and limited him to six points until the final 48 seconds of the game. Clarke and Jeff Peterson both finished with 11 points for Arkansas (10-3).
“I had the feeling from practice that I might get more playing time tonight and I played Clarke pretty well last year, so I was ready tonight,” Lucas said.
The 33 points were the greatest margin of victory by Texas in the 153 meetings of the schools, eclipsing the previous high of 24 points during 1971-72.
“It’s a big game against Arkansas and we were ready to play, when we play the way we are supposed to, we will be able to put anyone we play away,” Lucas said.
Jordan Hamilton scored 16 points to lead four Longhorns (12-2) in double figures as freshman Tristan Thompson added 14 points and both Gary Johnson and Lucas had 13 each. Johnson had a team-high nine rebounds while Lucas’ scoring matched his career-high at Texas.
“We had a good night protecting the ball and played really good defense, Gary Johnson set a great tone for us early, he showed tremendous energy and showed the kind of leadership on the court that we have come to expect,” Longhorns coach Rick Barnes said.
Jeff Peterson led the Razorbacks (10-3) with 12 points while Delvon Johnson grabbed nine rebounds and Kikko Haydar had 11 points.
Texas outrebounded Arkansas 42-32 and forced 23 turnovers while committing only 10. The biggest number was the 34 percent shooting the Longhorns held the Razorbacks to.
“Texas has a real chance to be one of those special teams, they are playing well, have a lot of offensive talent and play together real well, they are very long and really defended us well,” Arkansas coach John Pelphrey.
