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The Cowboys defeated both opponents this week, Kansas State on the road and Texas Tech at home. The Cowboys were led by Jawun Evan’s 21 point performance in Manhattan, and by Jeffrey Carroll’s 17 over the Red Raiders.
Wednesday at Kansas State showed the depth of the Cowboys. Two key cogs in Carroll and Phil Forte only scored 10 points combined, but the Cowboys still won by 12. In GIA on Saturday, the 3 headed monster of Forte, Evans, and Carroll all had great games, and showed how deadly the Cowboys can be when they all are on their game on the offensive end. The only problem continues to be foul trouble and whether or not the team can stay out of that. On the flip side, when this team can get to the free throw line, they don’t miss. The Cowboys went 42-45 from the charity stripe in the last two games. Thank goodness this team doesn’t shoot free throws like Kansas.
For my unsung hero this week, I am giving it back to the freshman point guard Brandon Averette.
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He had a spectacular two games this week: a spotless shooting performance against Kansas State where he went 6-6 from the field and 1-2 at line, leading to 13 points. He also had 3 assists and a rebound in that game. Against the Red Raiders, Averette had 9 points of 3-5 shooting, 3 assists and 2 rebounds.
Once against, Brandon Averette is showing massive improvements as the season is going on. It looks like the game is slowing down for him, and it doesn’t feel like he needs to go 100 miles per hour at all times. However, with his lightning quick speed, he’s able to get to the rim at will, much like the Cowboys’ starting point guard. As Averette’s outside shot continues to develop, his ability to slash through the defense leads to kick-out passes for open jumpers. The offense does not seem to have any drop-off in production with Averette running the offense. Because his skill-set is similar to Evans, the team is getting the same type of looks because the defense has to account for Averette’s ability to drive.
This coming week will be a tough test for the Cowboys (at Iowa State, home against Kansas). If Brandon Averette can continue to contribute like he has, the “Hilton Magic” just might run out, and the Cowboys will be able to knock off the Jayhawks once again in GIA.