The numbers
The Texas Longhorns, seeded No. 11 in the NCAA Tournament, will take on No. 6 BYU on March 19, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The Longhorns enter the matchup with a record of 19-14 and a 9-9 mark in the SEC, while BYU boasts a 23-11 record and a 9-9 record in the Big 12.
In their First Four game, the Longhorns edged out North Carolina State with a score of 68-66, thanks to a game-winning basket by Tramon Mark with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock. Chendall Weaver also made a significant contribution, recording his first career collegiate double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Historically, the Longhorns have faced BYU seven times, with the Cougars leading the series 5-2. The last encounter between the two teams occurred on January 27, 2024, where BYU secured a victory with a score of 84-72. This upcoming game marks a crucial opportunity for Texas to turn the tide in their favor.
Texas is aiming to reach the Round of 32 for the fourth time in the last five years. “With a win on Thursday in Portland, the Longhorns would advance to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 for the fourth time in last five years,” a representative noted. This goal adds pressure but also excitement as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
In terms of player movements, B.J. Edwards, who transferred from Tennessee to SMU after his freshman season, has been a key player for the Mustangs, starting all 28 games and averaging 12.7 points per game. His performance will be closely watched as the Longhorns strategize against BYU.
The game will be televised nationally by TBS, featuring Brad Nessler as the play-by-play announcer, Wally Szczerbiak as the analyst, and Jared Greenberg as the reporter. Fans can expect a thrilling broadcast as the teams battle for advancement in the tournament.
Texas posted a +12-rebound margin (45-33) in their recent win against NC State, showcasing their strength on the boards. This aspect of their game will be vital as they face a formidable BYU squad that has proven to be a tough opponent in past matchups.
As the Longhorns prepare for this pivotal game, observers are eager to see if they can overcome their historical challenges against BYU and continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup or strategy as the game day approaches.