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Through all the Madness, Texas keeps riding high, right into the Elite Eight
The Texas Longhorns have been through a lot this season. They started the season ranked in the Top 25, but soon after they started struggling, and their ranking plummeted. However, they did not lose hope, and they kept grinding, game after game. They knew that if they kept working hard, they could turn their season around. And that’s exactly what they did.
Texas went into the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as a No. 3 seed, and many people thought they could make a run. But few predicted that they would make it all the way to the Elite Eight. It has been an incredible ride for Texas, full of ups and downs, but they have kept pushing forward, never giving up on themselves.
The Longhorns’ first test came in the form of a talented and determined Abilene Christian team. Texas had to fight until the final buzzer to secure a 52-50 victory, but they did just that. They followed that up with another hard-fought win against a tough Indiana team. Texas held on to win 63-56, and they were headed to the Sweet Sixteen.
The Longhorns’ next challenge was a matchup against the SEC champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game was expected to be a high-scoring affair, and it did not disappoint. Texas came out on top, winning 68-55, and earning a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2008. Head Coach Shaka Smart was ecstatic after the game, praising his team for their hard work and tenacity throughout the tournament.
The Longhorns’ success can be attributed to their balanced attack, both on offense and defense. Texas has a number of weapons on offense, including a trio of guards that are capable of taking over a game at any moment. Andrew Jones, Courtney Ramey, and Matt Coleman III have all had big moments in the tournament, and they have been complemented by a strong post presence in Greg Brown and Jericho Sims.
Defensively, Texas has been one of the top teams in the country all season long. They have held opponents to an average of only 65.4 points per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. They have also been effective at forcing turnovers, averaging 7.9 steals per game. The Longhorns’ defense has been particularly effective in the tournament, holding opponents to only 56.3 points per game.
Another factor in Texas’ success has been their ability to overcome adversity. The Longhorns lost their leading scorer, Jones, for a stretch in the middle of the season due to a positive COVID-19 test. They also lost a number of close games during the regular season, which could have broken their spirits. But instead of giving up, Texas used those experiences as motivation, and they have shown incredible resilience throughout the tournament.
If Texas hopes to continue their run, they will have to face another tough opponent in the Elite Eight. The Longhorns are set to take on the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines, who have been one of the top teams in the country all season long. Michigan boasts a talented roster, led by Big Ten Player of the Year and likely NBA Lottery pick, forward Hunter Dickinson.
But Texas has shown that they are capable of beating anyone when they play their best basketball. They will need to continue to rely on their balanced attack and strong defense if they hope to topple Michigan and earn a trip to the Final Four.
Regardless of what happens in their next game, the Longhorns should be proud of what they have accomplished so far this season. They have faced adversity head-on and have come out on top. They have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with, and they have earned the respect of the entire college basketball community.
Texas has always been a state that values toughness, determination, and hard work, and the Longhorns embody those values on the court. They have ridden the waves of the madness that is March, and they have come out on top each time. When it seemed like their season was over, they kept pushing forward. When it seemed like they were outmatched, they found a way to win. Through all the madness, Texas keeps riding high, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.
