The Texas Longhorns (0-0, 0-0 Big 12) will open the 2019 basketball season on Tuesday evening at the Frank Erwin Center as they host the Northern Colorado Bears (0-0, 0-0 Big Sky).
Texas finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 21-16 and a Big 12 record of 8-10. The Longhorns went on to play postseason basketball in the National Invitation Conference (NIT) and captured the NIT Crown by defeating Lipscomb 81-66 in the championship game.
Northern Colorado finished the 2018 season with a 21-11 overall record and second in the Big Sky Conference. The Bears return four of five starters from last season and are coached by Jeff Linder who is in his 4th season in Greeley. Linder earned Big Sky Coach of the Year honors for his team’s performance last season.
At his Monday press conference, fifth-year Texas head coach Shaka Smart provided updates on the health of his players as the Longhorns head into the season opener. Notably, junior point guard Matt Coleman is nursing a leg injury and sophomore guard Courtney Ramey is recovering from a wrist injury. Both players have been cleared to play against the Bears. Sophomore Gerald Liddell has yet to be cleared for play while he recovers from a concussion sustained in practice.
The Longhorns have won 17 straight home openers and look to continue the streak on Tuesday evening.
When: Tuesday, November 5th, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Frank Erwin Center
Location: Austin, TX
Television: Longhorn Network
All-time series record: These two teams have never met on the hardwood
