After losing to Xavier in the First Four, Texas was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament.

The 2023–2024 NCAA Tournament was supposed to be a celebration of Texas basketball’s resurgence. With a roster full of talent, a passionate fanbase, and a program with lofty aspirations, the Longhorns entered the tournament with hopes of making a deep run. Head coach Rodney Terry, who had successfully navigated the tumultuous season after the firing of Chris Beard, had the team playing with grit and determination. Texas had proven its worth in the regular season, and there was palpable optimism that this could be the year the Longhorns made a serious push for a championship.

However, as the tournament began, it quickly became clear that Texas was not as prepared for the big stage as everyone had hoped. In a shocking upset, Texas was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Xavier in the First Four, leaving many Longhorn fans devastated and questioning the future of the program. The 74-67 loss to Xavier — a team that had struggled to secure a high seed — was not only a blow to Texas’ championship aspirations but also a reflection of deeper issues within the team and coaching staff.

This loss marked a sudden end to what had been a promising season. While the team’s performance throughout the year had shown flashes of brilliance, the tournament defeat exposed weaknesses that many had overlooked. From poor decision-making in critical moments to the inability to execute down the stretch, the defeat to Xavier left a bitter taste in the mouths of players, coaches, and fans alike.

In this article, we’ll explore the aftermath of Texas’ elimination from the NCAA Tournament, focusing on the reasons behind the loss, the impact it has on the program, and what the future holds for Texas basketball.

The Defeat: A Game of Missed Opportunities

To truly understand the significance of the loss to Xavier, it’s essential to break down the game and the factors that contributed to Texas’ early exit. The Longhorns entered the game as favorites, but from the opening tip, it was clear that they weren’t as prepared as they needed to be.

First-Half Struggles

The first half was a story of missed opportunities for Texas. Despite entering the game with a height advantage, the Longhorns were outplayed in the paint, with Xavier’s big men asserting themselves and creating problems for Texas’ defense. The Longhorns struggled to get into a rhythm offensively, with star players like Marcus Carr and Timmy Allen failing to make an impact. Their shooting was off, and there were too many turnovers that allowed Xavier to capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

Xavier, on the other hand, was playing loose and free. The Musketeers, led by their senior guards Souley Boum and Colby Jones, took advantage of Texas’ defensive lapses and turned them into points. The Longhorns, known for their tough defense all season, couldn’t seem to find their footing, and the Xavier players took full advantage, building a double-digit lead before halftime.

The halftime score of 38-29 in favor of Xavier was a clear indication that Texas had work to do in the second half. While the Longhorns were known for their ability to rally in games, this deficit felt different. Texas’ defense, which had been a strength all season, was unraveling at the wrong time, and Xavier was proving to be a tougher opponent than expected.

The Second Half: A Glimmer of Hope, Then a Collapse

As the second half began, Texas came out with renewed energy. The team tightened up on defense, limiting Xavier’s offensive flow and cutting into the lead. Dylan Disu emerged as a key contributor, both on defense and offense, helping Texas narrow the gap to just four points. It seemed like the Longhorns might make their trademark comeback, one that had become a hallmark of their season.

However, despite the promising start to the second half, the Longhorns’ comeback attempt was short-lived. With the game on the line, poor decision-making plagued Texas down the stretch. Rodney Terry’s offense, which had shown flashes of brilliance in the regular season, struggled to find its rhythm. Turnovers, missed free throws, and critical fouls allowed Xavier to regain control of the game.

Xavier’s offensive execution, by contrast, was flawless in the closing minutes. Boum, a dynamic guard who had a fantastic tournament run, hit crucial shots to keep the Musketeers ahead. Texas was unable to make the necessary adjustments, and their offensive possessions became more desperate as time wound down. A few costly turnovers in the final minutes sealed the Longhorns’ fate.

When the final buzzer sounded, Texas was out of the tournament. The loss, 74-67, was not just a disappointing elimination but a reflection of the shortcomings that had been present all season but were never fully addressed. The Longhorns, despite all their talent, simply didn’t have the mental and strategic sharpness needed to advance in the tournament.

Reasons for the Loss: Where Texas Went Wrong

The loss to Xavier was a painful reminder that college basketball is a game of moments, and small mistakes can lead to big consequences. Let’s examine some of the key factors that contributed to Texas’ elimination.

1. Inconsistent Offensive Execution

Throughout the season, Texas had been a team known for its defensive prowess rather than its offensive firepower. While the defense was generally solid, the offense lacked cohesion at times, and this became more evident in the tournament. Inconsistent shooting plagued the Longhorns, and their reliance on isolation plays for Marcus Carr and Timmy Allen often led to inefficient offense.

Against Xavier, this lack of offensive fluidity was evident. Texas struggled to execute in half-court sets and failed to create easy scoring opportunities for their key players. Carr, who had been one of the team’s most consistent scorers during the regular season, shot poorly, contributing to the team’s offensive struggles.

The inability to get quick, high-percentage shots was a major issue. Texas’ offense became predictable, and Xavier was able to adjust defensively, which further stifled the Longhorns’ attack.

2. Defensive Lapses

While Texas has long been known for its tough defense, the loss to Xavier exposed significant vulnerabilities. Rodney Terry’s defensive schemes were not as effective as they had been in the regular season, and the team seemed to lose its edge. Xavier capitalized on these lapses, particularly in transition and on the perimeter.

The Musketeers were able to exploit mismatches with their skilled guards, and Texas’ inability to adjust led to wide-open shots. Texas’ defense, which had been so dominant in the Big 12, couldn’t handle the quick ball movement and off-ball screens that Xavier executed so well. The Longhorns struggled to contain Souley Boum, who finished with 21 points, and they couldn’t seem to stop Xavier’s momentum during the critical moments of the game.

3. Mental Mistakes and Poor Decision-Making

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Texas’ loss was the mental mistakes that plagued the team. From sloppy turnovers to missed free throws in the clutch, the Longhorns simply could not execute under pressure. It was clear that nerves played a role, and the team’s inability to keep their composure in high-stakes moments was a key factor in the defeat.

Coaching decisions also played a part. While Rodney Terry had done a remarkable job coaching the team throughout the season, his rotations and late-game adjustments were questionable. There was a lack of offensive movement at times when the team needed quick, decisive plays, and the Longhorns’ failure to execute in critical moments left many wondering if the team was ready for the intense pressure of tournament basketball.

4. Xavier’s Elite Playmaking

Xavier’s playmaking and offensive execution were a huge reason why the Musketeers were able to upend Texas. The dynamic backcourt duo of Souley Boum and Colby Jones was simply too much for the Longhorns to handle. Boum, in particular, was a matchup nightmare for Texas, and his ability to create his own shot and hit clutch baskets was the difference in the game.

Xavier’s unselfish ball movement, coupled with their timely shot-making, kept Texas on its heels for most of the game. While Texas has some excellent defenders, they were unable to contain Xavier’s playmaking and did not have an answer to the Musketeers’ offensive flow.

Impact on Texas Basketball: What’s Next for the Longhorns?

The elimination of Texas from the NCAA Tournament is undoubtedly a setback for the program, but it also provides an opportunity for reflection and growth. While the loss stings, it should not overshadow the successes of the season or the potential of the program moving forward.

Rodney Terry’s Future: Will He Stay or Go?

One of the biggest questions coming out of the tournament loss is whether Rodney Terry will remain as head coach. Despite his success in guiding Texas to the NCAA Tournament and keeping the team competitive in a difficult season, the loss to Xavier casts doubt on his long-term prospects. The Longhorns have the resources and support to hire a top-tier coach, and the program will likely consider all options as it moves forward.

Terry will likely remain a candidate for the position, especially if the university believes that the team’s issues are correctable with more time. However, the disappointing elimination from the tournament could influence the decision to explore other coaching options.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding and Recruiting

Texas basketball still has a strong foundation to build upon. The team has a talented roster, including players like Dylan Disu and Jabari Rice, who will

return for another season. The Longhorns also have a strong recruiting class coming in, and with the right leadership, they can continue to compete at a high level.

The key moving forward will be addressing the offensive inefficiencies and defensive lapses that were exposed in the tournament. With a deep pool of talent in Texas and a commitment to improving, the Longhorns can still rise to the occasion in future tournaments.

A Tough End, but a New Beginning

The loss to Xavier in the First Four was a gut-wrenching elimination for Texas basketball, but it does not define the program’s future. The Longhorns still have the pieces in place to be a national contender, and the lessons learned from this tournament loss can fuel their drive for improvement. Whether Rodney Terry remains as head coach or the university opts for a new direction, Texas basketball has the resources and potential to rebound and make a deep run in future tournaments.

In the end, this defeat will serve as a painful reminder of the fine line between success and failure in March Madness, but it also offers an opportunity for the Texas Longhorns to rise again, stronger and more determined than ever before.