March Madness is underway across several college basketball games on Thursday. The No. 7 seeded Texas Longhorns are set to begin their NCAA tournament run in the evening.
Texas looks to avoid an upset after reaching the Elite Eight last season. It will face the No. 10 seed Colorado State Rams who won their play-in game over the Virginia Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Colorado State presents a unique challenge as a team that can both score and defend at a high level. The Rams defense shined against the Virginia Cavaliers in a performance that saw the team hold Virginia to just 14 first half points.
Unlike the Cavaliers, the Longhorns have more reliable scoring options. The only question is whether or not Texas will get them the basketball.
Texas forwards Dylan Disu and Dillon Mitchell have proven the most efficient scorers on the team. Disu is shooting 49.4% from the field including 50% on three point baskets. Mitchell has made 59% of his field goals this season.
If past games are any indication, Disu and Mitchell may not receive the most shot attempts. Texas guard Max Abmas leads the team in shot attempts for the year with 431 attempted field goals. Fellow guard Tyrese Hunter has the next highest total on the team with 285 field goals.
Abmas has a history of success in the tournament from his time at Oral Roberts, but he might need to rely on teammates to make shots as well. Texas’ offensive approach could determine whether or not it stays in the tournament.
The Longhorns will look to advance past the round of 64 at 5:50 p.m. CT on TNT.