Texas Longhorns Eager to Face BYU After Grueling NCAA Tournament Turnaround

PORTLAND, Ore. — Less than 48 hours after beating North Carolina State in a thrilling buzzer-beater to advance in the NCAA Tournament, the Texas Longhorns arrived in Portland, Oregon, at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday after a red-eye flight following their First Four victory in Dayton, Ohio. They face a rested BYU team Thursday in a high-stakes Round of 64 showdown, but the Longhorns refuse to acknowledge fatigue as a disadvantage. Instead, they view their compressed schedule as a challenge to be embraced, not an obstacle to overcome. "We’re all adults. We’re grown men. We know what we signed up for," said Texas guard Dailyn Swain. "I look at it as a privilege to be able to travel the way we do, and get to places as fast as we do, be able to get our sleep and have everyone manage our days as good as they do."

How Texas Turned a Grueling NCAA Tournament Schedule Into a Competitive Edge

The Longhorns’ path to Portland was anything but smooth. After defeating NC State 82–81 on Tuesday night in the First Four—a win sealed by guard Tramon Marks’ game-winning layup at the buzzer—the team boarded a cross-country flight to Portland, landing early Wednesday. Their opponents, BYU, had already arrived in Oregon days earlier, enjoying a full week of rest after their own First Four win over Duquesne. While the Cougars prepared leisurely, Texas endured one of the most physically and mentally taxing stretches in college basketball: a win-or-go-home game followed by a 5,000-mile journey and an immediate rematch scenario.

Why Texas Refuses to Use Fatigue as an Excuse

Despite the obvious disadvantages—jet lag, limited sleep, and zero preparation time—Texas players insist their circumstances are irrelevant to their competitive fire. Swain, who experienced a similar scenario last year when Xavier advanced through the First Four only to fall to Illinois two days later, sees the current challenge as an opportunity to prove resilience. "Sometimes that can be an advantage, to already be in the flow in a tournament game," Swain said. "It will be (BYU’s) first game. I look at (playing in the First Four) more as an advantage, for sure."

Teammate Tramon Marks, who delivered the iconic game-winning shot against NC State, echoed that sentiment. "We’re a team full of competitors," Marks said. "It won’t really be that much of a challenge for us to get up and play the game that we all love to do. So just coming out tomorrow, playing as hard as we can shouldn’t be a challenge. It won’t be a challenge actually."

Jordan Pope, another Texas guard, framed the matchup as the ultimate motivation: a chance to face a top-tier opponent like BYU in a nationally televised game. "What more motivation, chip on your shoulder do you need than to be playing a 6 seed BYU team that’s really good in Portland, Oregon for a March Madness game to potentially get to the round of 32?" Pope said. "There’s not much other motivation you need than that."

BYU’s Star Power and Texas’ Defensive Game Plan

BYU enters the matchup as a formidable opponent, led by forward AJ Dybantsa—a projected top NBA Draft pick and the WCC Player of the Year. Dybantsa, a 6’7" wing with elite athleticism, has been the driving force behind BYU’s high-powered offense, averaging 18.1 points per game while shooting 42% from three-point range. His ability to attack the rim and space the floor presents a unique challenge for Texas, which prides itself on disruptive defense. Swain, who aspires to play in the NBA himself, acknowledged the individual duel as a personal motivator. "He’s a super talented player, potentially the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft," Swain said. "I see myself as an NBA player in the future as well. I’m a competitor, it brings that energy out of me."

How Texas Plans to Neutralize BYU’s Offensive Firepower

Texas head coach Rodney Terry has emphasized a disciplined defensive approach, aiming to limit Dybantsa’s rhythm while contesting BYU’s three-point shooters. The Cougars rank among the nation’s top offenses, averaging 80.2 points per game, thanks to a balanced attack featuring sharpshooters like guard Jake Wahlin (42% from three) and forward Caleb Lohner (6’7", 12.4 points per game). "They’re a great offensive team," Marks said. "They have great guys that can get downhill. They have guys that can shoot. They have great offensive rebounding. They’re big. They’re a good team. They’re solid all around."

Pope added that execution will be the difference-maker. "A really good offense with a really good point guard, obviously AJ, a nice rim protector with shooters around them," Pope said. "Being able to come into this game executing our game plan, knowing what we need to do defensively to give ourselves the best chance at winning."

The Longhorns’ Resilience: A Blueprint for March Madness Success

Texas’ ability to thrive under pressure has been a hallmark of their season. The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 24–10 record, securing a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their run to the Elite Eight last year—led by now-graduated standout Sir’Jabari Rice—established them as a program capable of deep tournament runs. This year, with a core of experienced juniors and seniors, including Swain, Marks, and Pope, the Longhorns believe they have the depth and composure to handle adversity. "It’s a blessing to play in the tournament no matter what the route is, whether you have to play two days before, the day before, whatever it is," Swain said. "We were all super blessed to be there. Hopefully we can capitalize off of (the First Four win) this year."

Key Takeaways: What to Watch in Texas vs. BYU

• Texas embraces its compressed NCAA Tournament schedule as a competitive advantage, dismissing fatigue as a factor.
• BYU’s offensive firepower, led by NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa, poses a major challenge for Texas’ defense.
• The Longhorns rely on defensive execution and veteran leadership to counter BYU’s high-scoring attack.
• Players like Dailyn Swain and Tramon Marks view the matchup as a personal and team test of resilience.
• A win would send Texas to the Round of 32, while BYU seeks to avoid an early upset.

Historical Context: First Four Teams in the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament’s First Four round, introduced in 2011, was designed to give lower-seeded teams a final chance to qualify for the main bracket. Since its inception, at least one First Four team has advanced to the Round of 32 in every tournament except two (2014 and 2016). Texas joins a growing list of programs that have leveraged the First Four as a springboard—most notably last year’s Michigan State team, which won the First Four before reaching the Final Four. The format has become a proving ground for teams that thrive under pressure, often defying preseason expectations.

The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake for Both Teams

For Texas, a victory over BYU would set up a potential showdown with either Purdue or Utah State in the Round of 32—a matchup that could test the Longhorns’ ability to sustain their momentum. A loss would end their season just days after a dramatic buzzer-beater win. BYU, meanwhile, is seeking its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2015 and would need to overcome the Longhorns’ defensive intensity to keep its season alive. The Cougars’ high-octane offense, which ranks in the top 20 nationally in offensive efficiency, will be tested against a Texas defense that has held opponents to just 41.2% shooting in conference play.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas vs. BYU in the NCAA Tournament