2 studs, 1 dud from Texas's nailbiter win vs. Syracuse
Stud: Arthur Kaluma, F
You could make a valid argument for both Kaluma and Weaver to be named the MVP of this game for the Longhorns in the win over Syracuse. Weaver gave the Longhorns a major boost on the boards and on the defensive end of the floor when they needed it in the backcourt in the second half. He also led the team in scoring in the second half, with nine points.
Kaluma, meanwhile, was Texas's best player out of the gates in the first half in the win over the Orange tonight. He helped the Longhorns build a big double-digit lead in the first half, as the only Texas player to score in the double figures in the game's first 20 minutes.
Before halftime, Kaluma was already well on his way to picking up his second double-double of the season, with a game-high 10 points and five rebounds.
Kaluma kept up his scoring streak early in the second half, getting over the 15-point mark for the fourth game in a row 10 minutes into the final half of the contest.
He also kept pace with his efforts on the glass, registering a game-high 10 boards to go along with a team-high 16 points (tied with Johnson).
Unfortunately, though, Kaluma wasn't able to see this game out completely since he fouled out in the final two minutes of the second half. He finished up with four assists, one steal, one block, and just one turnover to go along with his double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Kaluma was a real grinder for the Longhorns in this game, playing a game-high 39 minutes before he fouled out late in the second half. He's been Texas's most consistent and efficient inside scorer, a gifted inside facilitator from the elbow, and a really effective rebounder on both ends in the past four games.