Texas Basketball: 3 keys for a Longhorn victory at Marquette Golden Eagles

1. An efficient Max Abmas

An efficient Max Abmas is an effective Max Abmas. In the Longhorn’s two games at the Madison Square Garden, he shot 6 for 19 from the field in their win against Louisville (although, in his defense, he hit a fabulous game-winner) and a mere 4 for 14 against UConn. In their other five games, he has shot at or over 50% from the field, albeit against inferior competition. Take a look at his game-winner here, courtesy of ESPN:

Now tasked with facing one of the best guards in the country in Tyler Kolek, shooting anything short of under 40% will be a problem against a veteran-laden Marquette squad that will look to take every advantage of a missed opportunity — such as poor shot selection.

To have an efficient — and effective — game as possible, Abmas will need to not only look for his shot but also make an impact by moving the basketball. With a healthy Kadin Shedrick back in the fold, Abmas will have two big men in Dillon Mitchell and Kadin Shedrick to work high-low alongside Ithiel Horton and Tyrese Hunter on the wings. If Abmas can look to force more fouls, that should bode well for the Longhorns. Abmas has only shot 11 times from the line so far this season but has connected on 10 free throws shooting at a near 91% clip.