Texas basketball's impressive five-game winning streak in the SEC came to a halt with a 91-80 defeat at Georgia. However, this setback hasn't significantly impacted the Longhorns' NCAA Tournament prospects.
Currently standing at 17-10 overall and 8-6 in the SEC, Texas slipped just two spots to No. 39 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. This ranking is a key factor the NCAA Tournament selection committee considers when assembling the March Madness lineup.
Among SEC schools, Texas holds the ninth position, nestled between No. 34 Georgia and No.
42 Texas A&M. The Longhorns are gearing up for a home clash against the SEC’s top-ranked NET team, No.
7 Florida, followed by a crucial road game at A&M on Saturday. This matchup could have significant implications for both teams' seeding.
So, how are the NCAA Tournament experts viewing Texas this week? Let’s dive into the projections.
ESPN Bracketology with Joe Lunardi: Feb. 24 Update
In the latest NCAA Tournament projection from ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the Longhorns have dropped to a No. 10 seed after their loss to Georgia. Lunardi envisions Texas playing in the South Region in Oklahoma City, facing No.
7 Wisconsin in the opening round. Should they advance, a showdown with No.
2 Houston could be on the horizon.
Lunardi's current forecast includes eleven SEC teams making the tournament cut.
CBS Sports Bracketology: Feb. 24 Update
Over at CBS Sports, Texas holds steady as a No. 9 seed for the second consecutive week. Their projection has the Longhorns squaring off against No.
8 SMU in a first-round West Region battle. A victory there could set up an intriguing second-round clash with No.
1 Arizona.
With the SEC Tournament scheduled for March 11-15 and Selection Sunday looming on March 15, the Longhorns are poised for a pivotal stretch. Whether they can capitalize on these opportunities remains to be seen, but the potential for a deep tournament run is certainly within reach.