NCAA Bracketology: Will Texas Men’s Basketball Make Tournament If It Beats Oklahoma?
As the college basketball season nears its conclusion, the Texas Longhorns find themselves in a pivotal moment in their postseason hopes. With the NCAA Tournament fast approaching, the Longhorns are battling to secure a spot in the big dance. A win over Oklahoma in their upcoming matchup could be just the boost Texas needs to solidify its place in the field of 68, but the question remains: will a victory over the Sooners be enough to guarantee a spot in the tournament?
Texas’ Current Position in Bracketology
Entering the final stretch of the season, the Longhorns have had a mix of highs and lows. As of now, they are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with a record that leaves them needing a few more quality wins to ensure their inclusion. Texas has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but inconsistent performances, particularly against ranked opponents, have left their fate hanging in the balance.
In the latest Bracketology projections, Texas is sitting just on the edge of the tournament field. Depending on which bracketologist you ask, the Longhorns may be either a No. 10 or No. 11 seed, with an at-large bid still very much up for grabs. A win against Oklahoma, currently sitting in a similar position as Texas, could make a significant difference in their case for a bid. But is it enough to secure an automatic spot?
The Importance of Beating Oklahoma
A victory over Oklahoma would serve as a much-needed resume booster for Texas. The Sooners, while not a top-ranked team, are competitive in the Big 12 and have a strong basketball program that is capable of pulling off upsets. Beating them would not only improve Texas’ record but would also provide a solid win against a team in a similar position—one that is also vying for an NCAA Tournament berth.
In the eyes of the selection committee, head-to-head matchups between bubble teams carry significant weight. A win here could allow Texas to leapfrog other teams on the bubble, especially if they can secure the victory in a convincing fashion. It would also improve their strength of schedule, which is a critical factor in NCAA Tournament selections, particularly in a competitive conference like the Big 12.
What Else Does Texas Need to Do?
While beating Oklahoma would certainly help, Texas likely needs more than just one win to cement their spot in the tournament. A strong finish to the season, including a solid run in the Big 12 Tournament, would increase their chances significantly. The Longhorns need to show they can perform in high-pressure situations, and the NCAA Tournament selection committee typically looks for teams that have been able to navigate tough competition successfully, especially in conference tournaments.
Here are some of the additional factors Texas needs to consider:
- Quality Wins: In addition to beating Oklahoma, Texas needs more quality wins over ranked teams to strengthen its resume. This means securing victories against top Big 12 teams, especially in the tournament. The Longhorns must avoid bad losses and capitalize on any opportunity they get against ranked opponents, as these are the types of victories that can elevate their seeding.
- Consistency: Inconsistent play has plagued Texas at various points this season. To make the tournament, the Longhorns need to find a more consistent rhythm on both ends of the court. Whether it’s improving their defense or getting better offensive production from key players like Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy, consistency is crucial in the final stretch of the season.
- Strength of Schedule: As one of the power conferences, the Big 12 provides Texas with the opportunity to build a strong schedule. However, Texas must capitalize on this by getting quality wins and avoiding any slip-ups in winnable games. Their overall resume needs to reflect a strong strength of schedule in comparison to other bubble teams.
- Conference Tournament Run: If Texas can make a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament, that would go a long way toward proving they belong in the tournament. A good performance in the postseason would be a sign that the Longhorns are peaking at the right time and capable of making noise in the NCAA Tournament.
What’s at Stake for Texas?
For Texas, this game against Oklahoma isn’t just about the win—it’s about securing momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. A victory would give them a much-needed boost of confidence, not only in terms of their tournament hopes but also in their ability to compete with the best teams in the nation. With their NCAA Tournament fate hanging in the balance, the Longhorns can’t afford to leave anything to chance.
Should Texas falter against Oklahoma, they risk falling into a deeper hole and leaving their tournament hopes in jeopardy. A loss could hurt their chances of securing an at-large bid, especially if they can’t make a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament.
Final Thoughts: Can Texas Make the Tournament?
The answer to whether Texas can make the NCAA Tournament largely depends on what happens in their upcoming games, starting with the critical matchup against Oklahoma. A win here would be significant, but it’s not a guarantee. Texas still has work to do, particularly with their consistency and securing more quality wins. However, the Longhorns do have the talent to make a run, and with players like Rory Harmon, Aaliyah Moore, and Xavier Worthy, they have the ability to make an impact in March.
In the ever-competitive world of NCAA basketball, the Texas Longhorns are on the right track to potentially make their mark in the tournament. A win against Oklahoma would certainly help their case, but they will need to continue to improve and capitalize on every opportunity if they hope to hear their name called on Selection Sunday. With a strong finish to the season and a solid performance in the Big 12 Tournament, Texas could very well punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run.