Jordan Pope scores 20+ points again and helps Texas score 100+ points vs. Northwestern State
Pope has awakened after a slow start to the regular season, averaging over 20 points per game in the past two games.
It seems like the additional touches and shots Pope has received since Johnson has been out of the lineup due to a hip injury in the last two games for the Longhorns has benefitted his efficiency numbers in a massive way. Pope's contributions to the Longhorns go beyond the offensive box score in the past two games.
Pope's on-off court +/- and defensive rating have reached season highs in the past two games.
Earlier this season, Pope wasn't confident and aggressive enough with his offensive touches. He was passing off some open shots and wasn't pulling the trigger on the offensive end when he had good looks at the basket to drive and initiate.
When Pope has taken at least eight field-goal attempts since the season opener, the Longhorns are 6-0 while he's averaged 17 points per game. Now a large portion of that scoring is being weighed down by Pope's career-high 42 points against New Orleans last week. But he's also scored in double figures in five of those six games Texas has won since the opener when he's attempted at least eight field goals.
Now, why does eight matter?
Texas has really slowed the pace down this season. While Texas has ranked in the top third of the NCAA in adjusted pace in the last two seasons under Terry as the head coach, the Longhorns rank 222nd in the NCAA in tempo in 24-25.
Pope has played around 24 minutes per game as Texas's starting point guard. He's essentially taken on the role of the lead guard for the Longhorns' backcourt, as the point/combo guard with the most minutes played per game.
Since the Longhorns average around 68 offensive possessions per game this season, the reduced pace has equated to greater efficiency requirements for the offensive initiators for Texas. Pope taking eight or more field goal attempts per game means that he's essentially shooting the ball at a minimum on every fourth offensive possession for the Longhorns.