Texas upset again as Smart fails to recapture March glory
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)INDIANAPOLIS – Shaka Smart pulled off one of the most memorable Cinderella runs in NCAA Tournament history, taking VCU from the First Four to the Final Four in 2011. But as Texas coach, Smart is 1-3 in three tournament appearances during his six seasons. Texas was bounced from the NCAA Tournament as a No. He seemed like a slam dunk hire in 2015 after he had turned VCU into an NCAA Tournament regular. “Really feel for our guys right now because up until tonight we had a phenomenal season,” Smart said.
Texas stunner: No. 14 Abilene Christian ousts 'Horns 53-52
In the most pressure-packed moment of his college career, the Abilene Christian junior forward was perfect on two free throws from a spot where he'd struggled in the past. Another double-digit seed is moving on in the NCAA Tournament, and this one at the expense of the flagship school in Abilene Christian's home state. Jones hit two free throws with 56 seconds left and his 3-pointer with 14 seconds remaining put the Longhorns in front 52-51. Reggie Miller made one of two free throws to push the lead to four. Really disappointed, everybody is.”Texas was rolling coming into the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big 12 Tournament for the first time in school history.
No. 13 Texas beats No. 12 Oklahoma St for first Big 12 title
– Texas finally won the Big 12 Tournament championship. 12 Oklahoma State. Isaac Likekele added 13 points and Kalib Boone had 12 for the Cowboys, who fought past No. 10 West Virginia and the second-ranked Bears the previous two days to reach their first Big 12 Tournament title game since 2009. BIG PICTUREAdOklahoma State finished the season on a roll, winning eight of its last nine before the Big 12 title game with a pair of OT victories.
Cunningham helps Oklahoma St beat No. 6 Texas in double OT
Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates after making a basket in the second overtime of the NCAA college basketball game against Texas in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Cunningham, one of the nation’s top freshmen, scored five of his 19 points in the second overtime, including a contested 3-pointer with 1:33 left, to help Oklahoma State beat sixth-ranked Texas 75-67 on Saturday. “We didn’t shoot it great, but we played with a lot of determination and fire which we didn’t do the other night at TCU,” said Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton. They hung around by forcing Oklahoma State into 35% shooting, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds and coming up with 18 steals and six blocks. Oklahoma State goes for a rare season sweep of Kansas in a nationally-televised game Monday.
No. 2 Baylor stays unbeaten, tops No. 6 Texas 83-69
Baylor forward Flo Thamba (0) celebrates a score against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)AUSTIN, Texas – Texas played Baylor tougher than most teams have this season. 2 Baylor used a big run to pull away for an 83-69 victory over sixth-ranked Texas on Tuesday night. Texas (11-4, 5-3) was within six points late before Baylor pulled away behind open 3-pointers from Adam Flagler and Mitchell. Instead of rallying the Longhorns, Jared Butler made his free throws and another quick basket put Baylor up by 10.
Reaves' 23 points, late FT lift Oklahoma over Texas 80-79
Longhorns guard Matt Coleman, who sat out most of the second half, fouled out when he sent Reaves to the line for the decisive free throws. Texas got back within one when Andrew Jones made two free throws seconds later. “We'll have to work on missing free throws, I guess," Kruger said. Before his late free throws, Reaves had a key three-point play with a drive and layup that drew a fifth foul on Texas forward Greg Brown. So I guess it was a good shot,” Reaves said.
McClung lifts No. 15 Texas Tech past No. 4 Texas, 79-77
Texas Tech won 79-77. 15 Texas Tech rallied to beat No. “I've got a lot of confidence in Mac,” Texas Tech coach Chris Beard said. Texas Tech has roughed up the Longhorns in recent years with six wins in seven matchups, including three in a row in Austin. After drawing an offensive foul on Texas Tech with 45 seconds left, Texas had the ball and the lead.
Jones' 3 lifts No. 4 Texas over No. 14 West Virginia 72-70
14 West Virginia on Saturday. West Virginia was poised to add to a 54-45 lead midway through the second half, then Texas got tough on defense. West Virginia: The Mountaineers became the first team to score 40 points in the first half against Texas this season. It was a reversal of fortunes for West Virginia after terrible starts in their two previous games. But it was the second half Saturday where West Virginia struggled this time, making just 10 of 34 field goals (29%).
No. 12 Villanova hands No. 17 Texas first loss 68-64
(AP Photo/Michael Thomas)AUSTIN, Texas – After opening the season in a Connecticut “bubble,” Villanova went all the way down to Texas to get a big win. 17 Texas 68-64 Sunday, handing the Longhorns their first loss after a strong start. BIG PICTUREVillanova: The Wildcats won in their first trip to Texas since winning the 2018 national championship in San Antonio. STAT LINE:Kai Jones, who doesn’t start for Texas but is averaging 20 minutes per game, is shooting 19 of 22 this season. Texas hosts Texas State on Wednesday night in the Longhorns’ final non-conference game before starting Big 12 play.