No. 7 Texas 93, Grambling State 62: Three takeaways before facing the Bears

Texas Longhorns defeated Grambling State Tigers 93-62 on Monday, marking the first time in the NCAA era that the team opened a season with three consecutive wins of 30-plus points. Head coach Sean Miller's team demonstrated several key strengths in this victory, which will prove crucial as they face their first major challenge against Scott Drew's Baylor Bears at the Moody Center.

Firstly, Matas Vokietaitis, the team's center, has made significant strides in his defensive abilities. Last season, the freshman averaged 6.1 fouls per 40 minutes and experienced limited playing time due to his high foul rate. However, transferring to Texas seemed to improve his discipline and his foul rate decreased to 5.3 per 40 minutes.

This positive shift in his defensive game has allowed him to play more minutes and contribute effectively on both ends of the court. Vokietaitis' improved fouling has made him a more reliable help defender and post defender, a key asset as the Longhorns prepare to face Baylor in the upcoming game.

Secondly, Joe Sterling, the freshman guard, has established himself as a reliable scorer from beyond the arc. With a remarkable 63.6% shooting from deep, Sterling's 7-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc on the night of the win has been particularly impressive. His quick release and height offer him an advantage over smaller defenders, making him a dangerous threat for the Longhorns.

Miller acknowledges Sterling's shooting talent and emphasizes the need for the team to recognize and address the challenge Sterling presents. The Longhorns must ensure they free up Sterling for open shots during transition plays and exploit his opportunities to score.

Lastly, the Longhorns must focus on improving their post-game performance. While Grambling State narrowly lost, their team demonstrated resilience and the ability to stay close throughout the game. The Longhorns must maintain this level of intensity and defense throughout the entirety of their upcoming matchup against Baylor. With only five fouls across 65 minutes in the first three games, Vokietaitis' improved fouling has been instrumental in keeping Texas ahead in critical moments of the game.

As the team prepares to face their first major challenge, they must find a way to finish stronger and capitalize on their strengths to secure a victory against Baylor.