Antuan Bootle led the way for the Kats (2-1) with 16 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

"I really liked the way Antuan played tonight," Hooten said. "He worked hard all night and if we can get that from him every night, he is going to be the best center in our league."

In addition to the efforts on the offensive end, Hooten was proud of the way Bootle played on the defensive side of the ball, holding All-American center Tristan Thompson to just three points and four rebounds in 35 minutes of play.

"We challenged Antuan before the game and he stepped up huge on that end," Hooten said. "That guy (Thompson) is going to be an NBA lottery pick and Antuan held him down."

The Kats struggles came on the offensive side of the floor where they shot just 29 percent for the game on 21-of-72 shooting, including 1-of-10 from 3-point range. Gilberto Clavell was held to just six baskets on 22 shots and finsiehd the night with 15 points.

"We have put a lot of new stuff into our offense, and we are just not there yet," Hooten said. "I think thing are going to come along for us, but we have got to knock down our shots."

The Longhorns jumped on the Kats early, building a 17-point lead and took a 33-18 lead into the half. The Kats couldn't take advantage of some good opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, shooting just 25 percent from the floor.

The Kats will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Colorado State. They will return home on December 1, when St. Thomas visits Johnson Coliseum.