TEXAS DEHORNED

Close games and buzzer-beaters make for great fun during college basketball. Sometimes, though, that clutch shot at the end can be life-changing.

There’s no telling what will happen to Monte Morris in the rest of his days. But the jump shot he hit as the final horn sounded on Thursday night seems bound to impact numerous others. Morris’ shot capped an unbelievable rally by Iowa State, which scored the last 12 points in a 69-67 victory over Texas in the Big 12 tournament.

When had Iowa State led in this game? Never. Not until Morris’ shot went in. The No. 13 Cyclones continue on in the tournament. Texas? Well, the lives of the Longhorns changed as they watched their lead evaporate and their future grow murky.

Coach Rick Barnes could well lose his job, though not solely because of this. Morris’ shot simply capped a disappointing year in which much was expected and not so much delivered. The 20-13 Longhorns might still slip into the NCAA tournament field, but the odds were diminished not only by the loss but how the Longhorns lost.

They led by 11 at halftime, by 16 in the second half and by 10 with less than four minutes to play. Texas scored its last field goal with 7:37 to play and got its last seven points at the free throw line after Barnes slowed down the pace of play. That might not have been such a hot idea.

“We are who we are right now,” said Texas guard Demarcus Holland, over whom Morris made his winning shot.

Which is what? Right now Texas is a team that underperformed, blew a game it should have won, lost three times this season to Iowa State, doesn’t know its ultimate destiny – NCAA tournament or NIT — or what the future holds for its coach.

With one shot, Monte Morris changed lives.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .