Texas NCAA Resume

So it's almost February and unlike recent years, this Texas basketball team is not yet a guarantee for the field of 65 in March. At 13-5 and a 3-1 conference record, Texas needs to win some road conference games if it wants to make the NCAA field.

While the Horns have been strong at home (undefeated in 10 games so far), the team has been mediocre on the road and neutral floors.

I still like their chances as Durant and this young team will continue to improve. But I still have a right to be nervous given the lower RPI Ranking currently held by the Horns (#56 RPI)

Let's take a look at the team's resume so far:

Big Wins

LSU (Neutral Floor in Houston) - After watching this game, I have doubts about this LSU squad. None the less, this was a super young Texas team over a much more experienced and talented team. LSU relied on the 3 way too much and it bit them as the Horns won a squeaker 80-76.

Arkansas - Great home win for the Horns in a great atmosphere against a tourney team from last season and a team that will make the Tourney again this year. Probably the best performance of the year so far.

Oklahoma - If the Arkansas win wasn't the biggest win so far, this game was. Durant dominated in this one and the Horns rolled over a younger OU squad coached by Jeff Capel 80-69 but it was a much more impressive win than the final score.

Okay Losses

Michigan St. - This game was very early and the Horns showed pretty well in Madison Square Garden lsoing a tight one 61-63.

Tennessee - This game really could come back to bite the Longhorns if they do end up on the bubble. Texas was up most of the game and lost a lead late and the game went into overtime. Two overtimes later, the Horns lost a game in a very hostile enviornment under Bruce Pearl 105-111. In an unrelated sidenote, I was christmas shopping with my fiance during this game at NorthPark Mall in Dallas. I followed overtime and double overtime sitting in the mall waiting for Sarah to finish shopping. Unbelievable and excruciatingnly painful loss for many reasons. Oh yea, I had Texas +5.5 in this one as well. Just shoot me.

Okahoma St. - Best game of the year period. This game had an electric pace that usually is reserved for games in late March. Both teams played their hearts out at the game ended up going 3 Overtimes. I fought to stay awake to the end of this one (yes I'm old). Durant had 37 and the Horns ended up losing on a crazy 3 pointer by Oklahoma St. bigman Boggan who had a career game of his own. Final Score (105-103).

Bad Losses

Gonzaga - I was in Phoenix during the game for Brian Defee's wedding, but I'm really glad I didn't go see the Horns get embarrassed by the Zags 77-87 but the it was much worse.

Villanova - The Horns really needed this one but it just didn't happen. Durant looked tired coming off a rought roadtrip following the Okie St. thriller. The Horns could have had this one but relied on the 3 pointer too much (as Rylan agonized while we were watching this one). 69-76 is the final.



Remaining Schedule:

Home Games
Baylor
Kansas St.
Iowa St.
Oklahoma St.
Texas Tech
Texas A&M

Road Games
Nebraska
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Baylor
Oklahoma
Kansas


Current RPI Rankings

ESPN Takes a Look at how the NCAA Field is Shaping Up