The Longhorns (15-9, 6-5 SEC) climbed above .500 in conference play for the first time since joining the SEC prior to last season with Saturday’s 79-68 win over Ole Miss. As a result, they’ve also climbed to their highest spot in the NCAA’s NET rankings, which is a major component used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee when determining the March Madness field.
Entering this week, Texas ranked No. 36 in the NET ratings, one spot behind SEC rival Georgia and three spots ahead of another SEC rival in Texas A&M. The SEC has 10 programs in the top 40, headed by No. 9 Florida. The Longhorns have a midweek bye and return to action Saturday at Missouri.
How do the NCAA Tournament prognosticators see the Longhorns entering this week? Let’s take a look.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi: Tuesday, Feb. 10 update
According to Tuesday’s latest NCAA Tournament projection from ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi, the Longhorns remain on the bubble as one of the last four teams in the field of 64. Lunardi sees Texas as one of the “First Four” squads and a return trip to Dayton, Ohio, along with Miami, San Diego State and New Mexico. The Longhorns currently project atop that list of First Four teams.
Last season, Texas reached the First Four and lost to Xavier, who was then coached by current Longhorns coach Sean Miller. The two winners from the First Four games will enter the tournament as a No. 11 seed.
Nine SEC teams would make the tournament, based on Lunardi’s current projection.
CBS Bracketology update: Tuesday, Feb. 10 update
In CBS Sports’ tournament projections, Texas remains firmly off the bubble as a No. 10. Seed. CBS currently projects the Longhorns facing off against No. 7 Villanova in a first-round East Region contest.
The SEC Tournament runs March 11-15, and Selection Sunday is March 15.