Texas men’s basketball begins its 2022-23 campaign in less than two weeks when UTEP visits on Nov. 7. While the No. 12 Longhorns have a few high profile matchups on the non-conference schedule, Texas will also welcome some lesser-known opposition to Austin.

These matchups, which Texas is likely to be favored in, offer head coach Chris Beard the chance to experiment with lineups and tactics before conference play begins. Here are three under-the-radar matchups to look out for early in Texas’ season.

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UTEP

While Texas plays Arkansas in a charity exhibition on Oct. 29, UTEP will be the Longhorns’ first competitive opponent of the season. Coming off a 20–14 campaign, the Miners lost graduate guard and leading scorer Souley Boum, who transferred to Xavier. 

Head coach Joe Golding rebuilt his roster with junior college and low-major transfers who will have to step up if UTEP hopes to compete in Conference USA this season. Evansville transfer Shamar Givance and Tae Hardy, previously of Southern Mississippi, have both averaged more than 10 points per game at the Division I level and will be expected to lead the team in scoring. 

While Texas has a significant talent advantage on its instate opponents, the opening day matchup could be interesting as the Longhorns adjust to a new roster. Texas transfer and graduate guard Sir’Jabari Rice will be familiar with the Miners, having played them multiple times while at New Mexico State.

Houston Christian

Texas will welcome Houston Christian to Austin for a second straight year on Nov. 10, running away with a 92-48 victory last November. Known as Houston Baptist University until September, the rebranded Huskies bring back two starters from last year’s team in junior guard Brycen Long and senior forward Sam Hofman. Last year’s leading scorer, Darius Lee, was fatally shot in June, and Houston Christian will honor Lee throughout the 2022-23 season.

Houston Christian could present a size mismatch for Texas with senior centers Zach Iyeyemi and Bonke Maring, who are 6-foot-9 inches and 6-foot-10-inches respectively. Last season, Texas often deployed 6-foot-7-inch senior Christian Bishop at center, while 6-foot-9-inch senior big man Dylan Disu is another option for the Longhorns.

Northern Arizona

Texas makes a visit to the Rio Grande Valley on Nov. 21 to take on Northern Arizona in their first game of the Leon Black Classic. Northern Arizona is coming off a dismal 2021-22 campaign after finishing last season 9–23 and last in the Big Sky Conference. 

The Lumberjacks held on to leading scorer Jalen Cone, formerly of Virginia Tech. Cone, who was an All-Big Sky third-team selection last year, will be expected to match or improve on his average of 18.8 points per game. 

Beard could use this game as an opportunity to give some of his younger players significant minutes, especially if Texas establishes a big lead early. Freshmen forwards Alex Anamekwe and Preston Clark, who will likely receive limited playing time during conference play, may benefit if the Longhorns employ an expanded rotation against the Lumberjacks.