Deep-pocketed Texas is the closest this chalky NCAA tournament has to a charming underdog story
It's impressive that Texas pulled off three NCAA tourney upsets in five days to reach the Sweet 16 as an 11 seed. But that doesn't mean this team is embracing a Cinderella role.
Turns out Cinderella isn’t dead yet. A plucky double-digit-seeded upstart who barely snuck into the NCAA tournament ripped off three upsets in five days to earn its place in next week’s Sweet 16. They sank a last-second fadeaway jump shot on Tuesday to beat NC State and advance out of the First Four.
They survived AJ Dybantsa’s 35-point scoring barrage two nights later to likely end the projected top-three draft pick’s BYU career. And they toppled third-seeded Gonzaga 74-68 in front of a hostile crowd on Saturday to prevent the Zags from making the NCAA tournament’s second weekend for the 10th time in 11 years. Who is this overachiever punching above its weight class?
This little-known longshot poised to introduce itself to the nation? Say hello to Texas, the closest thing to a charming underdog story this chalky NCAA tournament has left. "HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE A LONGHORN" 🤘 @TexasMBB DANCES ON TO THE SWEET 16 🕺 #MarchMadness pic.
twitter. com/Arb6sfDgRe — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2026 On the same day that Texas A&M crumbled against Houston, that VCU offered little resistance against Illinois and that High Point faded late, only Texas seized its opportunity to bust brackets. The 11th-seeded Longhorns are now the lone double-digit seed left in an NCAA tournament dominated by favorites for the second consecutive year.
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