Texas opens as an early favorite in Sweet 16 matchup with Xavier
Texas is set to take on Xavier in the Sweet 16 on Friday night in Kansas City. The Longhorns open up as an early four-point favorite in this matchup against the Musketeers.
Texas’ path to the Sweet 16 included a 20-point first-round victory over Colgate and a tight contest vs. Penn State. Xavier mounted a massive second half comeback against Kennesaw State in the Round of 64 before handling Pitt next.
Xavier presents some similar challenges as Colgate and Penn State. The Musketeers are an excellent offensive unit led by one of the nation’s best three-point shooting attacks.
Texas’ perimeter defense must continue to force difficult shots on the outside. Tyrese Hunter and Timmy Allen are two players Rodney Terry will trust to slow down Xavier’s shooting.
Dylan Disu is going to play a vital role for Texas again after a career game against Penn State. Xavier is going to be without stud forward Zach Freemantle in the frontcourt due to injury.
Another strong performance from Disu, along with a bounce-back game from the guards, would make Texas tough for anyone to beat.
Texas and Xavier will square off at 8:45 p.m. CT at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Friday night.
Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.
