Thirty-five years have passed since BYU’s basketball team competed against the University of Texas. After all these years the Cougars will take on the Longhorns in Kansas City at the Sprint Center on Monday, Nov. 25. The last time these two teams rubbed elbows with each other, the Cougars fell 96–57.
This series has been led by BYU in a total of five games. If Texas wins this year the series will be tied at three apiece.
BYU is coming into this game fresh off its first loss of the season to No. 21 Iowa State. Along with the defeat to Iowa State, freshman Eric Mika was injured when DeAndre Kane’s fingers found Mika’s eyes. Mika didn’t play the last three-and-a-half minutes and it is still unclear if he will be playing in the upcoming game.
When the Cougars meet the Longhorns, it will mark the third tournament game in their season for the College Basketball Experience Hall of Fame Classic. Head coach Dave Rose has led BYU to a record of 24–4 in regular season tournaments in his career. Rose also has a career record of 213–67, ranking him second in BYU history in total victories and first in winning percentage (.761).
Texas will be coming into the game with a 4–0 record for the season. Texas has out rebounded each of its first four opponents, posting double-digit rebound advantages in three of its first four games. Five Longhorn players are averaging double figures in scoring and four individuals are averaging at least six rebounds per game. The Longhorns will be led by junior forward Jonathan Homes averaging 15 points per game.
Another important game for Cougars fans to pay attention to is the DePaul and Wichita State game during the CBE tournament on Nov. 25. Depending on if BYU wins or loses its game against Texas they will play one of these two teams. The two losing teams will play the next day at 6:30 p.m. CT and the winning teams will play for the championship at 9 p.m. CT.
