On selection Sunday, the Texas Longhorns did what many did not consider possible—surviving the bubble and making the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Nearly every bracketologist had the Longhorns on the outside looking in, but the committee thought otherwise. Xavier was in a similar position, sweating it out as well, but now Xavier and Texas will meet in Dayton to see who moves on to the Round of 64.
These are two teams who are playing well at the right time. Xavier lost the first game of the Big East Tournament but they are 8-2 in their last ten games. While Texas entered the SEC Tournament knowing they were on the outside looking in, they defeated Vanderbilt in the first round before beating rival Texas A&M in a grueling double overtime game in the second round. Texas was worn down in their third-round game against Tennessee, but fought hard before the Volunteers pulled away in the second half. The performance in Nashville was enough to get Texas into the dance but they must continue to play well or the postseason will be a short stint.
Kadin Shedrick Finally Looks Healthy
Kadin Shedrick has been playing through back issues for a couple of months now but in the last two games, Shedrick has looked as good as he has in a Texas uniform. Not only has he scored 14 points in back-to-back games, but he has looked as explosive as he ever has. If he can continue to provide an inside presence, that will help the Longhorns’ offense immensely. Texas has the scoring on the wings but they have been destroyed on the glass all year. Shedrick can help erase some of that rebounding disadvantage, which could be a difference-maker for Texas.
Zach Freemantle is a Problem
Xavier big man Zach Freemantle has been a problem for most teams the Muskateers have played this season. He is averaging 17 points along with seven rebounds per game. The 6’9, 227 lb. forward has reached double figures every game this year and has scored 23 or more points in three of the last four games. Freemantle can take over a game in a hurry and Texas cannot let that happen if they intend to play again on Friday. Texas played Xavier in the Sweet 16 in 2023, but Freemantle missed the Sweet 16 game against Texas in 2023 with an injury. Xavier lost that game to the Longhorns and Freemantle will certainly be seeking revenge in this play-in game.
Tramon Mark is a Difference-Maker
Tramon Mark played more point guard in the SEC Tournament than he has all season. The Arkansas transfer seems to take the Longhorns offense into another gear when he is running it. Mark’s presence helps Jordan Pope play more off-ball, which is where he plays best, and Texas needs Pope to provide the scoring spark he has flashed at times. Mark also provides the secondary scoring that Texas needs to take pressure off Tre Johnson. Johnson has struggled in the last few games, but five days off should help get him out of his recent funk.
What: Texas Longhorns vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 8:10 pm CST
Venue: University of Dayton Arena
Location: Dayton, Ohio
TV: truTV
Listen: Longhorn Radio Network
Spread: Texas -3 (per MyBookie)
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