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3 takeaways as Texas gets back on track with win over Louisiana Tech

Texas topped Louisiana Tech 75-60 Saturday afternoon at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. The win improves the burnt orange to 7-3 on the season.

Here are three takeaways from the Longhorns’ win.

AP Recap | Box Score

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Longhorns find offense

Texas’ biggest problem in its Tuesday loss to Michigan was its flat-out inability to put the ball in the basket without leading scorer Andrew Jones (wrist).

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The Longhorns still had some efficiency problems on offense on Saturday -- they turned it over 18 times -- but took a big step forward on that side of the court.

Led by forward Dylan Osetkowski, the Longhorns scored 75 points on 49 percent shooting. That number is a big upgrade over last game’s 52 points on 37 percent from the floor.

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Texas also shot well from beyond the arc, nailing 43 percent of its three-point attempts. That type of shooting performance is significant for a team that ranks dead last in the Big 12 with a 28 percent three-point efficiency.

Look for head coach Shaka Smart’s team to try to build on its solid offensive outing before conference play begins later this month.

Osetkowski steps up when needed

The Longhorns have counted on forward Dylan Osetkowski to score all season. His 14.3 points per game rank second on the team behind Jones’ 15.3 points per outing.

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Smart needs Osetkowski to score now more than ever with Jones out of the lineup. And the Tulane transfer came up big for his coach on Saturday.

Osetkowski dropped 22 points and seven rebounds on the night, easily leading his team in scoring. He showed off his polish both inside the paint and outside the three-point line, shooting 59 percent from the floor and 60 percent from three.

It’s going to be difficult for Texas to make up Jones’ contributions on the offensive end. But Smart has to be pleased with Osetkowski’s performance against the Bulldogs.

Bamba struggles with fouls, shines when on floor

There’s no question about center Mohamed Bamba’s potential on the hardwood. The 7-0 freshman simply has the rare physical tools that coaches covet, like his 7-9 wingspan.

But Bamba still has much to work on as he attempts to realize his potential. And his need for development showed against Louisiana Tech.

Bamba struggled with fouls from start to finish, picking up three quick fouls in the first half before committing his fourth just minutes into the second. The foul trouble limited him to 17  minutes for the contest.

The Harlem native still flashed some brilliance when in the game, racking up 14 points and nine boards in limited time. He continued to be a difference maker on defense, swatting four shots.

Bamba will try to keep it rolling — and stay out of foul trouble — when the Longhorns take on Tennessee State at home on Monday.

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