Stud No. 2: Sir’Jabari Rice, SG/SF
The other Texas guard that had a massive night in this close two-point win over Texas Tech was senior shooting guard/wing Sir’Jabari Rice. The former New Mexico State Aggies grad transfer continued to be an x-factor late in the game for the Longhorns on this night.
Rice joined Carr and Allen as the three Longhorns players that each registered at least 17 points in this game. And similar to Carr, Rice came alive on the offensive end in the second half, eventually leading the Longhorns in points per minute (.621).
In this game, Rice shot 4-of-10 from the field, 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line, good for 18 points. That is the second-highest point total in a single game for Rice this season.
Rice also gave the Longhorns two rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks, and two turnovers as he contributed in almost every way possible to this win on both ends of the floor. You don’t get these sorts of contributions from a wing player coming off the bench very often, as Rice did in this game.
With his great two-way performance vs. Texas Tech, Sir’Jabari Rice just became the first Big 12 player this season to register at least 18 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in a single game. pic.twitter.com/YvF8Cqecwn
— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) January 15, 2023
According to Sports Reference, Rice is the first Big 12 player this season to register at least 18 points, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in a single game.
Rice showed more conviction in his decision-making on the offensive end. And he was ultra disruptive on defense, leading to Texas slowing down Texas Tech’s efficiency shooting from the field in the second half. This was a truly spectacular performance down the stretch from the experienced wing.