Damion James’ doublke-double leads No. 2 Texas over Gardner-Webb, 95-63

James leads No. 2 Texas over Gardner-Webb

AUSTIN, Texas — Damion James had 14 points and 13 rebounds — his 43rd career double-double — and No. 2 Texas overcame a sluggish start for a 95-63 victory over Gardner-Webb on Tuesday night.

Jai Lucas had 15 points as Dexter Pittman added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Longhorns (12-0).

C.J. Hailey was 5 of 5 on 3-pointers and scored 20 points for Gardner-Webb (3-8).

Pittman scored seven points in the first 3 minutes of the second half as Texas pulled away from a 55-28 halftime lead.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs were only able to get within 23 points in the second half. Texas forced 27 turnovers and finished with a season-high 19 steals.

Texas committed 19 turnovers — six in the first 4 minutes of the game.

Lucas, playing in his second game since becoming eligible after transferring from Florida, helped the Longhorns slowly start to pull away. With just over 13 minutes remaining in the first half he hit two 3-pointers from the wing to give Texas a 20-7 lead. James, who leads Texas in scoring (17.0) and rebounding (10.8), scored his first basket on a jumper from the free-throw line to give the Longhorns a 28-15 lead with under 10 minutes remaining in the half.

Texas jumped into a full-court press and forced two quick turnovers. Dogus Balbay scored on an easy layup, which was followed by a steal at midcourt and a layup by James. Justin Mason ignited a crowd of 9,551 when he took a pass from Lucas and threw down a one-handed dunk to put the Longhorns ahead 43-19.

Gary Johnson, who finished with 11 points, scored eight of Texas’ final 10 points in the last 3 minutes of the first half.