Texas Longhorns vs. BYU Cougars: NCAA Tournament First-Round Showdown Preview
The Texas Longhorns secured a spot in the first round of the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling 68-66 victory over North Carolina State in the First Four matchup. Despite the celebration, the Longhorns, seeded 11th with a 19-14 record, face a tough challenge ahead as they prepare to take on the No. 6 seed BYU Cougars in the next round. BYU, led by freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, who averages 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, presents a formidable opponent with a high-scoring offense that shoots 47.7% from the field.
If Texas manages to upset BYU, it will mark their fourth appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in the last five years, a significant improvement from their previous tournament performances. The Longhorns have struggled to secure wins in the tournament in recent years, but a victory over BYU would propel them further in the competition. Stay tuned for live scores and updates as Texas faces BYU in the first-round matchup, with the winner advancing to play either No. 3 Gonzaga or No. 14 Kennesaw State in the second round on Saturday in Portland.
The NCAA Tournament first-round game between Texas and BYU is scheduled for 6:25 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The game will be broadcast on TBS, and fans can also tune in to 1300 AM or 98.1 FM for radio coverage. BYU is currently favored by 2½ points with a total of 157½, setting the stage for an exciting matchup between the Longhorns and the Cougars. Stay updated on the game progress and results as the teams battle it out on the court.