Tag: Texas basketball news

Texas Is Now An NCAA Tournament Team According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi

During Texas’ game against West Virginia last night, ESPN had Joe Lunardi on and he said Texas is now an NCAA Tournament team after the win.

During the ESPN broadcast of Texas’ game against West Virginia last night, they had their bracketologist Joe Lunardi on to talk about the Longhorns’ chances of making the NCAA Tournament. For most of the season, Texas has not been considered a team worthy of an at-large bid to the tournament, but according to Lunardi, that changed last night.

“They’re going to be an NCAA Tournament team if they hang on,” said Lunardi.

Well, they did exactly that, pulling off the 10 point upset against West Virginia, giving Shaka Smart’s team their biggest win of the season. It was an incredible performance from Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey, once again leading Texas in their three-game winning streak.

While they may be in the tournament as is, there is still work to do. The rest of the season is crucial for the Longhorns, coming up against Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. The Red Raiders and Sooners are also in the conversation for making the big dance and getting wins on the road would go a long way for an at large bid.

The final piece would be getting a first-round win in Kansas City in the Big 12 tournament. Currently, Texas would once again be playing against West Virginia in the first round, but have the chance to move up in the standings.

Just their second win of the season against a ranked team, Texas’ tournament resume still needs more to it. The games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma have the chance to add two more quadrant one wins, something that has been lacking for the Longhorns all season.

According to Lunardi’s latest bracket, if Texas were to get into the NCAA Tournament, they would be the sixth team from the Big 12 to make the field. That would be the third most from a single conference, only behind the Big 10 and Big East.

The final three games of the season will be a roller coaster of emotions for Texas, hoping they can replicate their last three games into their final three games. If the Longhorns can, they will be back in the NCAA Tournament for the third time in Shaka Smart’s tenure in Austin.

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Texas Basketball: Three Takeaways From Winning Streak

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team suddenly has life as they chase an opportunity to return to the NCAA Tournament.

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team has been on a roll as of late. The team led by Shaka Smart was coming off four-straight losses including a 29-point embarrassing blowout from Iowa State. It was looking like they might not win another game this season with out how the team was playing. Smart needed a spark to save the season and his job, what was once hopeless suddenly has life.

Unlikely Heroes

Will Baker. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Baker step up against the TCU Horned Frogs, after all he was a top five recruit in the state and a four-star prospect. After averaging just two points a game this year, Baker exploded for 20 points. He was the second-leading scorer in that game nailing four of six three pointers. After the game it felt like Smart was trolling the faithful dropping a John Beilein reference about Baker’s play.

“A shooting five man changes the world”- Shaka Smart on Will Baker’s performance

Backcourt Help

Baker isn’t the only one that has stepped up, Andrew Jones has really made his presence felt on the offensive side of the ball. Jones has absolute caught fire from behind the arc shooting 57.8 percent. It certainly feels like he is becoming the old Andrew Jones once again after a fight with Leukemia. Averaging 18.3 points per game during the streak has been a huge lift for this team.

In the team’s last two wins, Courtney Ramey has really stepped up his game to help Texas win three in a row. Scoring a combined 47 points over the last two wins, he led the team in scoring against Kansas State and second to Jones against West Virginia. His performances have breathed life into a team that was appearing to just be going through the motions.

Big 12 Teams Around Them

Texas was sitting at 4-8 in the conference before jumping up into a tie with the Mountaineers for that fourth spot in the conference. The Longhorns are looking more like they could squeak into the big dance. It wasn’t all the Longhorns play, teams who were above them have started to falter.

TCU who started out 3-0 in conference play, has fallen flat on their face as the season has gone on. Since that point they are 3-8, up until this week the Frogs had been projected over Texas in most major Bracketology projections. The Longhorns also getting some help from their bitter rivals.

The Oklahoma Sooners were also a team that many felt that would be a lock for the tournament, but they have fallen on hard times as of late. Losers of their last three games has put Texas ahead of them in the standings and has given the Longhorns hope once again.

 

Texas Picks Up Huge Win At Home Against West Virginia

UT’s tournament hopes are still alive after a massive win against WVU. With the third win in a row, UT is now tied for fourth in the Big 12.

Even though it has been a brutal season for Texas, their tournament hopes are still alive after a massive win against West Virginia, 67-57. It is the third win in a row for the Longhorns, making them 7-8 and tied for fourth place in the Big 12.

Once again, guard play is the reason Texas got the victory. This time, the main man was Andrew Jones, dropping a career-high 22 points. Jones was a threat from behind the three-point line, going 5-9 from deep. His right-hand man was Courtney Ramey, who had 21 points on 9-14 shooting from the field.

Texas has struggled to get to the free-throw line all season, ranking dead last in the country. Against the Mountaineers, the Longhorns attempted 20 shots from the charity strike, making 14 of them. Those numbers are huge improvements for Shaka Smart’s team and must continue in the final three games of the season.

The downfall of West Virginia was their poor three-point and free-throw shooting. Sean McNeil was the only player to hit a shot from deep, going 3-3. Everyone else was 0-8, shooting 27.3%. From the foul line, Derek Culver really struggled, going 2-8. As a whole, the Mountaineers were 10-21, well below their season average of 64.2%.

Now for Texas, comes an even bigger set of games coming on the road. They will now travel to Lubbock and Norman to face off against Texas Tech and Oklahoma, two teams considered in the picture of the NCAA Tournament. Even if they go 1-1 in those two games, their resume is boosted and they a firmly on the bubble.

To get those wins, Andrew Jones, Courtney Ramey, and Matt Coleman must continue to play at the elite level they have been. They have been scoring at a level that makes the Longhorns worthy of an NCAA Tournament bid.

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Three Reasons Texas Can Still Make the NCAA Tournament

Despite a frustrating season, UT still has the chance to make the postseason. Here are three reasons they can still make the NCAA Tournament.

It has been a frustrating season for Texas, suffering some brutal losses throughout the year. Despite that, there is still a small glimmer of hope that Shaka Smart can lead the Longhorns to the postseason for the third time in his tenure in Austin.

Many times it has seemed like the chances at making the tournament were over, but somehow Texas still remains. After picking up wins against TCU and Kansas State, the Longhorns are just a win or two away from being back on the bubble.

Needing to win out and more than likely needing some help throughout the way, there is still a path to postseason basketball for Texas. Here are three reasons the Longhorns can still make the NCAA Tournament:

Upcoming Opportunities

The final four games for Texas has three NCAA Tournament teams on the schedule with West Virginia, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. With the latter two being played on the road, the Longhorns will have the chance to pick up three quadrant one victories in a row.

Already playing those three opponents, Texas is currently 0-3 against them. The West Virginia and Oklahoma games were double-digit losses, while the Longhorns only lost by five to Texas Tech. Revenge should be on their mind as Texas does not want to be getting swept in their season series against conference rivals.

Even winning two out of these three games would be big for the Longhorns as they just need a little bit of a boost to get their name back in the pool. With the crazy season it has been in college basketball, no team should ever be considered out of the fight, especially with quality opponents left like Texas has.

Wide-open Big 12 tournament

Baylor and Kansas are undoubtedly the two best teams in the Big 12 this season, both ranked within the top five of the AP poll. Looking past those two heavyweights, the rest of the conference is wide open. Besides Baylor and KU, only Texas Tech has a winning record in Big 12 play, with West Virginia at 7-7 and everyone else below .500.

If the tournament started today, Texas would be facing off against West Virginia in the four seed vs five seed matchup. They would then get an opportunity at the one seed, having the chance to get a vital win towards getting an NCAA tournament.

If the conference season has proven anything, it is that it is a fairly competitive league. Even if Baylor and Kansas only have one conference loss each, they remain beatable as they have played competitive games all year. Texas will compete with the best and have the chance to get a win to springboard them into the madness.

Star Guards Have Begun to Step Up on Offense

Throughout the entire season, inconsistency has been the downfall of the Longhorns, with star players playing well one night and then having issues the next night. In the last two games against TCU and Kansas State, Shaka Smart’s squad has been consistently good, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Scoring 70 points in both of their last two games, the source of points have been coming from the guards, with Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey, and Andrew Jones all stepping up big time. Ramey and Jones were in double figures in both games, while Coleman dropped a career-high 26 against Kansas State after missing out against TCU with an injury.

Role players like Will Baker, Kamaka Hepa, and Royce Hamm Jr. have been solid in the two wins, but the road to success rolls through the Texas backcourt. When the Longhorns have struggled, it has been due to offensive struggles. When Coleman, Jones, and Ramey are shooting the ball to their full potential, Texas is able to compete with anybody in the Big 12.

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How To Watch, Listen and Stream Texas Against West Virginia

UT has a chance against WVU to make its way back into the NCAA Tournament picture. Here is how you can watch, listen, and stream the game.

Gaining momentum with two wins in a row, the Longhorns have beaten TCU and Kansas State to bring life back into their season. Now, they have a big chance at home against West Virginia to possibly make their way back into the NCAA Tournament picture.

In need of some quality wins, the Mountaineers present that opportunity for the Longhorns. Currently ranked 15th in the NET rankings, if Shaka Smart’s club can pull out the win, it would easily be the best win of the season.

2-3 in their last five home games, Texas has failed to beat big-time opponents at home. All three losses have come to ranked teams, while the two wins are against unranked teams. Suffering an embarrassing loss on the trip to Morgantown, Texas will be looking for revenge.

Here is how you watch, listen, and stream Texas’ big game against West Virginia:

Date: 2/24/2020

Time: 6:00 p.m. CST

Location: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas

Watch: ESPNU

Listen: TexasSports.com/audio —Austin 104.9FM, 99.3FM, 98.5FM, 1260AM; Dallas 1080AM; El Paso 600AM; Houston 790AM; San Antonio 1200AM — Spanish: Austin 105.3FM; Dallas 990AM, 99.9FM

Stream: Watch ESPN App

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Texas Goes On the Road and Defeats Kansas State

After a four-game losing streak, Texas has won back to back games. The Longhorns took care of business against Kansas State and won 70-59.

After a four-game losing streak, Texas has won back to back games for the first time since defeating Iowa State on Feb. 1. The Longhorns went into Saturday’s game in must-win mode and took care of business against Kansas State, 70-59.

Playing the best game of his career was sophomore guard Courtney Ramey. Scoring a career-high 26 points, Ramey led Texas in scoring on 10-6 shotting from the field. The other offensive spark was Andrew Jones, sinking three out of his five attempted three-pointers.

Kansas State struggled all afternoon, having 17 turnovers and only 20 made shots. Forward Makol Mawien was the main offensive threat for the Wildcats, scoring 14 points while adding 10 rebounds. Nobody was able to get going for Bruce Weber’s squad as they shot 33%.

The play of the game for Texas came from freshman Will Baker. After his outstanding game on Wednesday against TCU, he was looking to make another splash. He did just that, producing a monster slam dunk early in the second half.

You can watch it here:

After Kansas State swept the season series in 2017 and 2018, the Longhorns have now won three out of their last four against the Wildcats. Winning both matchups this season, it is the first time since 2016 that Texas sweeps the season series against Kansas State.

Thanks to the scoring of Ramey and Jones, Texas improves to 16-11 overall and 6-8 in the Big 12. The Longhorns somehow find their way back on the edge of the bubble, needing wins in their next two games at home against West Virginia and on the road to Texas Tech to have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.

The Longhorns have another quick turnaround as they will host the Mountaineers on Monday night. You can catch the game at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.

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Cold Shooting, Turnovers result in 60-54 loss for the Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team got off to a hot start but cold shooting down the stretch lead to 60-54 loss.

Texas struggled to close out the game against the Kansas State Wildcats when it looked like the Longhorns might pull it off. The Wildcats were led by  Ayoka Lee who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. She added three blocks as well. Peyton Williams struggled shooting but was huge on the boards with 13 rebounds and three steals. The KSU 8-0 run to close out the game helped them knock off Texas 60-54.

The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team got off to a hot start in the first quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats. Of their 19 first quarter points, sophomore forward Charli Collier led the way with 11 in the opening frame. Fifth-year senior Lashann Higgs came off the bench with four points to keep the game tied as the first came to a close.

In the second quarter, the Wildcats tried to take control of the game. After a field goal by Sug Sutton with 8:07 left in the second quarter, the Longhorns went on a four-plus minute scoring drought. Kansas State would take advantage. It wouldn’t be until Joanne Allen-Taylor got out in transition for a layup with 3:35 left where Texas would score. Collier would only score once in the second on a second-chance after a rebound to cut the KSU lead to two, 31-29. Neither team would score over the final 2:17 of the second quarter.

First Half Leaders (Texas)

  • Charli Collier 13 points, three rebounds, one steal
  • Joyner Holmes six points, four rebounds

Texas shot just one for nine from behind the arc and 35.1% from the field.

The Longhorns came out firing in the third quarter with a quick 6-0 run to take a four point lead. Jada Underwood got it started with a quick steal and found Sutton to tie it up. Sutton and Celeste Taylor added four more before the Wildcats would answer. A 18-14 quarter gave Texas a two-point lead into the final quarter.

A sloppy fourth quarter for the Longhorns as they had trouble hitting the shot going down the stretch. Holmes gave Texas a two-point lead with 3:57 left in the game but that would be their last make of the game. The turnovers and cold shooting for the Longhorns in the closing minutes doomed their bid to win.

Final Stats

  • Collier- 17 points, six rebounds
  • Holmes- 14 points, eight rebounds
  • Higgs- 11 points, four rebounds, two steals

How To Watch, Listen and Stream Women’s Basketball Against Kansas State

Texas hosts Kansas State in another pivotal game. Here is how you can watch, listen, and stream the Longhorns at home against the Wildcats.

Texas got a win against West Virginia on Monday to move into sole possession of third place in the Big 12. Now, they host Kansas State in another pivotal game for the Longhorns. The Wildcats are coming off two closely played games, beating Oklahoma in overtime on Feb 16 and losing by two to TCU on Wednesday.

Not only do they need to keep pace in the conference, but Texas needs to stay off the bubble for the 2020 NCAA Tournament. Currently a nine seed in ESPN’s latest bracketology, all games are a must-win for the Longhorns.

In the first matchup between these two, Texas pulled out the victory on the road. Winning 71-63, it was the second win in the middle of a five-game winning streak for the Longhorns. Now at home, Texas is looking to repeat the same success.

Here is how you can watch, listen, and stream Texas play Kansas State:

Date: 2/22/2020

Time: Noon CST

Location: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas

Watch: Longhorn Network

Listen: TexasSports.com/audio —Austin 104.9FM, 99.3FM, 98.5FM, 1260AM; Dallas 1080AM; El Paso 600AM; Houston 790AM; San Antonio 1200AM — Spanish: Austin 105.3FM; Dallas 990AM, 99.9FM

Stream: Watch ESPN App

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Will Baker and Andrew Jones Lead Longhorns To Victory

Will Baker and Andrew Jones combined for 41 points as they led the Texas Longhorns to victory over TCU for the season sweep.

It was all Will Baker early on in this game against the TCU Horned Frogs, Baker had scored just 16 points all season before Wednesday night. Baker came to play with Jase Febres and Jericho Sims still out for the Longhorns. He finished the game with a season-high 20 points.

The Longhorns fell behind at halftime 38-36 but a strong second half helped lead the Longhorns to a season sweep of TCU. Texas outscored the Frogs by 16 in the second half for the win, down the stretch Andrew Jones took over as the go to option. Jones finished with a game-high 21 points.

The big story in this game was the bench play from Baker and Kai Jones. The duo combined for 30 points, with Jones providing 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks to give the Longhorns a presence in the paint.

As has been the case for Texas all year, live by the three and die by the three. The Longhorns shot 60 percent from behind the arc and they limited the Frogs to just three of 18 from deep. Baker hit four of six and Jones added three of five to lead the team.

Texas has just five games left on the season with Kansas State coming up on Saturday as they look to sweep the Wildcats.

Vegas Odds: Texas Second Favorite to Land John Beilein

According to SportsLine, the Longhorns are the second favorite to land Beilein’s services, if he decides he wants to get back into coaching.

It has been a rough season for Shaka Smart and the Texas Longhorns, with Smart’s time in Austin more than likely coming to an end after the 2019-2020 season ends. With that, comes speculation about who would be the next coach to turn around the basketball program.

A name that has been circulating has been former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein. He left the organization before completing his first season, proving he was not ready for the NBA. Instead, he is expected to return to college basketball, a place he has had success.

According to SportsLine, the Longhorns are the second favorite to land Beilein’s services, if he decides he wants to get back into coaching. Surrounding Texas are three ACC schools in Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest.

Boston College is currently coached by Jim Christian and is an overall 13-13. Much like Texas, they are not expected to make the NCAA Tournament in March. If they are to fire Christian, the Longhorns would be in competition with the Eagles for the hottest name in the CBB market.

Beilein has been to two Final Fours in his career, both with Michigan. He has also won four regular-season conference titles throughout his years of coaching and has added four conference tournament championships. If Chris Del Conte decides a change is needed, Beilein would be a proven winner to turn around this Texas program.

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