Preview: Texas Set to Host No. 4 Houston In Critical Home Tilt
Navigating the tough competition in Big 12 men's basketball is a real challenge, especially with seven ranked teams in the mix. The Texas Longhorns have recently had a mixed experience on the road, impressively defeating arch-rival No. 11 Oklahoma but then stumbling in a less-than-stellar fashion against No. 21 BYU.
In yet another eagerly awaited matchup, the Longhorns are gearing up to face the No. 4 ranked Houston Cougars on Monday night at the Moody Center (8 p.m. CT, ESPN). Adding to the intrigue, Texas is amidst a challenging stretch, playing its fourth consecutive contest against AP Top 25 opponents in just 10 days.
© Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
In a standout game, the Longhorns handed the Sooners their first home loss of the season with a commanding 75-60 win at Norman. However, the week ended on a disappointing note as BYU exploited Texas' defensive weaknesses, scoring 84 points in their Saturday victory. This marked the highest point total conceded by Texas to a Big 12 opponent this season.
Notably, the Longhorns allowed the Cougars to shoot 41 percent from beyond the arc and gave up 40 points in the paint, highlighting areas for improvement as they navigate the competitive landscape of Big 12 basketball.
Texas faced challenges in reproducing the offensive prowess showcased in its two triumphs against ranked teams this season. Max Abmas, the team's top scorer, was restricted to a mere 12 points vs. BYU - his lowest-scoring performance since the beginning of conference play.
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Following the defeat to BYU, Texas' record against ranked opponents under Coach Rodney Terry stands at 10 wins and nine losses.
Monday's game marks the first meeting between the Longhorns and Cougars since Houston's 73-72 victory in the 2013 College Basketball Invitational. Houston boasts the country's top-rated defense, contrasting with Texas' 73rd defensive rank.
Despite Houston's defensive prowess, they hold a 1-2 record in Big 12 road games. Texas, aiming for an NCAA Tournament spot, must maintain a strong home record after a loss to UCF.
Coach Terry acknowledges the crucial home-court advantage Longhorn nation provides. The upcoming game against Houston is a chance for Texas to enhance its NCAA resume, with a win potentially becoming the season's most significant.
Key players like Max Abmas and Dylan Disu will be pivotal, especially in the face of their toughest challenge yet.
“Any win in this conference is a big win,” Terry said. “We’ve got great coaches, great teams in this league. You’re able to keep these wins and losses with you for one night. It’s on to the next hard challenge, and that’s why we have the best league in the country.”
