Texas Longhorns Key Win Over No. 25 Mississippi State Helps UT’s NCAA Tournament Case

The Texas Longhorns have long been a fixture in college basketball, consistently competing at a high level in the Big 12 Conference and making regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament. However, the 2024–2025 season has seen its fair share of challenges for head coach Rodney Terry and his squad. With several teams in the Big 12 vying for postseason spots, the Longhorns have had to fight for every victory to solidify their case for inclusion in the NCAA Tournament. One such victory came in a crucial midseason matchup against the No. 25 Mississippi State Bulldogs, a game that not only gave the Longhorns a much-needed boost but also provided a defining moment in their quest for an at-large bid.

Texas’ Struggles Before the Mississippi State Game

Heading into the contest against Mississippi State, Texas had experienced a rollercoaster season. With a blend of talented players, including star forward Dillon Mitchell and guard Tyrese Hunter, the Longhorns entered the year with high expectations. They were pegged as a potential contender in the Big 12 and expected to be a fixture in March Madness conversations. However, the Longhorns struggled with consistency in the first half of the season, dropping games that they were favored in and sometimes underperforming against weaker opponents.

A series of frustrating losses, including a tough defeat at the hands of rival Kansas, placed Texas on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. While they had some impressive wins, they were missing key opportunities to solidify their place in the bracket. A strong showing in non-conference play had been overshadowed by struggles in the brutal Big 12, and the team found themselves needing to rack up quality wins to increase their tournament chances.

As February turned to March, the Longhorns faced a must-win game against Mississippi State. At that point, the Bulldogs were ranked No. 25 and had shown strong play throughout the season, with a tough defense and reliable scoring options. For Texas, this was not just another game—it was an opportunity to secure a marquee victory that could improve their resume and make the difference between making the tournament or staying home in March.

The Build-Up to the Mississippi State Game

The Texas-Mississippi State matchup was one of the most anticipated games on the Longhorns’ schedule, as it was their final chance to beat a ranked opponent before the Big 12 Tournament. While Mississippi State was not one of the top-tier teams in the SEC, they had demonstrated enough skill and grit to earn their place in the rankings. For the Longhorns, this game was an opportunity to prove they belonged in the field of 68, especially considering the crowded landscape of bubble teams around the country.

Rodney Terry, who had taken over as head coach after the departure of Chris Beard, understood the importance of the game and had his team focused. Throughout the season, Terry had emphasized the need for Texas to be tougher mentally and more disciplined in high-pressure moments. With the NCAA Tournament looming, the Longhorns needed to show that they could handle the heat and rise to the occasion against a quality opponent.

Texas entered the game with a clear game plan: lock down Mississippi State’s offense and take advantage of their own scoring opportunities. Mississippi State’s defense had been their strong suit all year, and their ability to control the pace of the game was a key part of their success. Texas, on the other hand, was known for their ability to score in transition and spread the floor with their shooting. The Longhorns’ shooters, particularly Hunter and Mitchell, would need to be at their best to overcome the Bulldogs’ defensive prowess.

A Defensive Struggle and a Late Surge

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that this would be a defensive struggle. Both teams came out with intensity, contesting shots and fighting for every rebound. Mississippi State’s defense, led by star forward Tolu Smith, stifled the Longhorns’ offense early on, limiting their fast-break opportunities and forcing them into tough half-court sets. For much of the first half, Texas struggled to find rhythm, shooting poorly from the field and failing to capitalize on the few open looks they got.

On the other hand, Mississippi State had its own offensive issues, with Texas’ defense doing a solid job of limiting the Bulldogs’ high-percentage shots. While Smith had some success in the paint, the Longhorns were able to force Mississippi State into tough shooting positions, especially beyond the arc. The first half was marked by a series of missed opportunities on both ends, and neither team was able to take a commanding lead.

However, as the second half began, the Texas Longhorns started to settle into their game plan. A critical adjustment by coach Rodney Terry saw Texas ramp up the intensity on defense, applying full-court pressure to Mississippi State and forcing turnovers. Tyrese Hunter, a key player for Texas, was a catalyst on both ends of the floor. His ability to handle the ball under pressure and distribute it effectively opened up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Mitchell, known for his athleticism, provided the team with energy, finishing strong at the rim and giving Texas a much-needed spark.

Despite their early struggles, the Longhorns began to take control of the game midway through the second half. Texas went on a 12-0 run, keyed by timely three-pointers from Hunter and key defensive stops that turned into fast-break opportunities. Mississippi State, unable to cope with the Longhorns’ transition game, quickly found themselves on their heels. The Bulldogs’ offense sputtered, and their defense, which had been so effective earlier in the game, began to show signs of fatigue.

With just under five minutes remaining, Texas had built a comfortable lead, but Mississippi State refused to go down without a fight. The Bulldogs mounted a small comeback, cutting the Longhorns’ lead to just five points with less than two minutes left. However, clutch free-throw shooting from Texas and a final defensive stop in the closing seconds sealed the victory for the Longhorns.

The Aftermath: Texas’ NCAA Tournament Case

The 75-68 win over Mississippi State was exactly what Texas needed at that point in the season. Not only did it give them a signature victory over a ranked opponent, but it also helped elevate their overall resume, especially with the committee looking closely at the strength of schedule and quality wins.

Rodney Terry and the Longhorns knew that every game from here on out would be crucial, but this victory allowed them to move firmly into the conversation for an NCAA Tournament bid. The win over Mississippi State highlighted some of the team’s key strengths: their defense, their ability to rebound from adversity, and the emergence of their key players.

Texas’ Tournament Resume Post-Mississippi State Win

With the win, Texas was able to improve its record and strengthen its case for an at-large bid. Key metrics such as their strength of schedule, their performance in close games, and the quality of their victories were all boosted. As of that point in the season, the Longhorns had already secured important wins against high-profile teams like Baylor and Kansas State, and their victory over Mississippi State was just another notch on their postseason resume.

In addition to their notable victories, Texas was also a team that had shown significant growth as the season progressed. The Longhorns’ ability to adapt and adjust in high-pressure moments was a positive sign as they headed into the Big 12 Tournament. If they could continue to build on the momentum from their win against Mississippi State, Texas could prove to be a dangerous team come March.

For Texas fans and the Longhorns’ coaching staff, this victory could be a turning point in their season. It gave them the confidence to know they could compete with the best teams in the nation, and more importantly, it provided the team with the kind of signature win that could carry them into the NCAA Tournament.

The Path to March Madness

With their NCAA Tournament hopes very much alive, Texas would now need to stay focused and continue building on their success. The Longhorns would have to avoid costly slip-ups in the remaining regular-season games and ensure they performed well in the Big 12 Tournament. For many teams in similar situations, the conference tournament is often the final proving ground for teams hoping to secure an at-large bid.

Rodney Terry’s leadership will be crucial as the Longhorns look to make a deep run into March Madness. The victory over Mississippi State was just one step toward their goal, but it demonstrated the potential of this Texas team. If they can stay healthy, continue to develop chemistry, and execute when it matters most, the Longhorns could make a serious run at the NCAA Tournament.

For now, Texas fans have reason to be optimistic, as the Longhorns’ fate is in their hands. The win over Mississippi State was a huge step forward—and with a little more luck, hard work, and a continued strong performance, Texas could find themselves in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, making a run that could surprise the nation.