Texas 82, North Carolina Asheville 61

Friday, March 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Birmingham, Alabama-AP) -- Texas overwhelmed North Carolina Asheville at the start and had little trouble in an 82-to-61 victory today in the opening round of the NCAA South Regional.

T.J. Ford took the opening tip, streaked downcourt and sliced through several defenders for an easy layup -- just five seconds into the game in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ford was at the forefront the whole way.

The 5-foot-10 whirlybird sophomore showed why he might be the best guard in the country, zipping passes from all angles.

He skipped the ball down low from just over halfcourt for one basket, then flipped it over his shoulder in transition for another hoop that made it 24-to-8.

Ford finished with only eight points, but had 11 assists.

Brandon Mouton added 15 points, Brian Boddicker had 14 points and 12 rebounds and James Thomas had 13 points.

The Longhorns advance to the second round in the South. They'll play Sunday against the LSU / Purdue winner.