The Texas Longhorns needed a win in the Big 12 Quarterfinals to remain in consideration for an NCAA Tournament invitation. After losing to Kansas 65-57 on Thursday night in Kansas City, Texas’ chances for making the big dance dwindled significantly. With a 16-16 record, the Longhorns have to hope for mercy from the selection committee, which has never sent a bid to a school with a .500 record. The Longhorns have made an appearance in 18 of the last 20 NCAA Tournaments.
The Longhorns were without Jaxson Hayes most of the first half due to early foul trouble, but Texas held their own. At the half the two teams were tied at 29-29, but Kansas started strong in the second half and used a 13-3 run to take a 44-35 lead at the 14:59 mark. Texas would eventually claw back within four points to 51-56 at the 2:44 mark on a three pointer by Kerwin Roach III, but never held a lead in the second half. As the game clock expired, Texas was left with its fifth loss in six games, and an injury to heralded freshman forward Jaxson Hayes. Hayes, a potential lottery pick in the NBA Draft this summer, injured his knee on a a collision with a Kansas guard Devin Dotson with less than two minutes remaining in the game. The extent of the injury is not known at this time.
Texas forward Dylan Osetkowski led all scorers with 18 points, a season-high for the senior. Kerwin Roach III returned to the court after serving a suspension for violation of team rules, and finished with 8 points.
Kansas guard Devon Dotson led the Jayhawks in scoring with 17 points, while David McCormack, Dedric Lawson and Quentin Grimes all had a double-digit scoring night.
