The Big 12 boasts eight teams in the AP Top 25 and although Texas (14-6, 3-4) isn’t among them, they have caused upsets in the ranks. After redeeming back-to-back wins over #9 Baylor and #11 Oklahoma, the Longhorns needed the ranked trifecta over #21 BYU in Provo Saturday but lost to the Cougars by 12 points.
In their loss to BYU, Texas was saddled by shooting inefficiency hitting only 44% of attempts versus a season average of 48%. BYU maximized their offense hitting 64%. Texas’ free throw success succumb to their slump at 63%, well below their average of 73.5% for the season. On the defensive side of the ball Texas earned only 24 rebounds versus a season average of 35/game and BYU’s 32.
Tonight, in a conference that remains fluid, Coach Rodney Terry’s team will face their first Top 5 team since they played then #5 and now #1 UCONN in pre-conference earlier this season. #4 Houston (18-2, 5-2) arrives in Austin following a four-game winning streak that was preceded by road losses to Iowa State and TCU. This season the Cougars are averaging 44% field goals, 10. 4 steals, 9.1 turnovers, 40 rebounds and 67.5% from the line. Thus far, the Top 5 team has only played two ranked teams versus then #25 Texas Tech and then #21 BYU.
Conversely, Houston will mark the sixth Top-25 team Texas has played this season, with the Longhorns at 2-3 in losses to UCONN (#1), Marquette (#9), and BYU (#22). To be victorious, Texas will need to shoot over .500, limit turnovers (averaging 12.1) stabilize at the free-throw line and overperform defensively including steals (6.9) and rebounds. It’s evident this Longhorn team comprised of newer leadership, limited veterans and a smattering of transfers is still trying to find cohesiveness and establish fundamental consistency but have proven when achieved, they are strong contenders.
Tonight, one of two programs will depart Moody Center leading the now all-time 32-32 series and either further solidify the Big 12 standings or cause another tremor in the field. Fans can catch the game on ESPN at 8PM CST.
