After losing by 20 to No. 20/19 Arkansas, Texas men’s basketball will return to the Moody Center on Saturday for its regular-season closer against rival Oklahoma to prove how worthy it is for a chance to dance in March.
Despite the blowout loss, the Longhorns are still in good standing to have the opportunity to make the tournament. ESPN’s Neil Paine, who writes data-filled and analytical sports stories, updated his NCAA Tournament bracket projections shortly after Texas’ loss.
“They are still in a solid position; teams with similar résumés to Texas have made the tournament in the past,” Paine wrote in an update to his bracket projections.
Regardless of what the analytics say and even if Oklahoma is below .500 in conference play, Texas still has to handle business against its rivals. A win would also be a buffer for the Longhorns in case they are sent packing early in the Southeastern Conference Tournament next week.
Earlier in the season, the Longhorns defeated the Sooners 79-69 in Norman, Okla. Texas started sluggish in that game, having to erase a 14-point deficit. However, after coming back from being down double digits, the win was the start of its five-game conference win streak — the first in program history since the 2019-2020 season.
A key for the Longhorns in their rivalry rematch will be producing rebounds on both the offensive and defensive ends.
Currently, the Sooners only have one player averaging more than six rebounds a game in SEC play, while the Longhorns have two, with junior forward Dailyn Swain’s 7.5 and sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis’ 6.9 rebounds per game.
Senior guard Chendall Weaver will also be a key factor with his ability to affect the glass from the backcourt. Weaver averages 4.2 rebounds, mainly coming off the bench.
“(Weaver) just does a lot of things to help us win,” Miller said after Texas’ matchup against South Carolina. “It’s a hustle play. He’s one of the best rebounding guards in the SEC.”
As a team, Texas averages fewer rebounds, with 34.7 per game, than Oklahoma, which averages 32.9. However, the Longhorns allow fewer rebounds with 30.2 per game, while the Sooners allow an average of 35.9 rebounds per game. Statistically, the game is set to be evenly matched on the glass.
The game will also serve as Senior Day for Weaver and guard Jordan Pope as they play their final home game at the Moody Center. Texas also has an additional four graduate students who’ll play their last home game against Oklahoma — forward Cole Bott, guard Tramon Mark, forward Lassina Traore and guard Brandon Taylor.
“I’ve been here three years, and I love the support that Texas fans bring,” Weaver said after Texas’ previous home game against Florida.
The Longhorns and Sooners will tip off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in the latest edition of the Red River Rivalry on the hardwood.
