Oregon Meets Texas in NCAA Tournament: Coaching Rivals Clash
Austin hosts a familiar rivalry this weekend. As Oregon meets Texas again in the NCAA Tournament, coaching rivals clash on the sideline.
Memory of 2019
Coaches Kelly Graves and Vic Schaefer share a charged history. On March 31, 2019, Oregon beat Mississippi State 88-84 at the Moda Center.
Sabrina Ionescu led the Ducks to a Final Four berth that night. Graves called it a career highlight, while Schaefer called it a painful loss.
Game details and context
The second-round meeting is set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Moody Center in Austin. The Longhorns are the No. 1 seed at 35-3. Oregon enters as the No. 8 seed at 23-12.
Texas hosted the Fort Worth regional first two rounds. The Longhorns opened with an 87-45 win over Missouri State. Oregon advanced with a 70-60 victory over Virginia Tech.
Broadcast and odds
ESPN carries the game nationally. Radio coverage includes the Oregon Sports Network and local stations KUGN 98.1 FM and ESPN 910 AM. Chris Clayton handles play-by-play.
Texas opened as a heavy favorite by 26.5 points. Schaefer’s team also sits among the top-ranked squads nationally.
Matchup and key players
Texas brings size and efficient scoring. The Longhorns rank fifth nationally in field goal percentage at 49.9 percent.
Top rebounders include Madison Booker (6-foot-1), Kyla Oldacre (6-foot-6) and Breya Cunningham (6-foot-4). Oldacre shoots 62.5 percent from the field. Cunningham converts at 58.3 percent.
Oregon relies on balance and key playmakers. Point guard Katie Fiso and forward Ehis Etute anchor the Ducks’ attack. Etute is listed at six feet tall.
Defense and statistical edges
Texas holds a strong defensive profile. The Longhorns rank 15th in scoring defense, allowing 56.3 points per game. Their rebounding margin also ranks among the nation’s top 20.
Oregon finished 8-10 in Big Ten play. The Ducks show scoring balance and perimeter threats that can stretch defenses.
Coaches and outlook
Schaefer warned against underestimating Oregon’s guards and inside presence. He noted the Ducks can make shots from distance and move the ball well.
Graves praised Texas’ inside and mid-range scoring. He also said his team has faced high-pressure defenses this season.
Oregon lost last season’s second-round game at Duke, 59-53. They also fell to Ohio State 80-64 at home on Feb. 8. Still, Graves expressed belief in his roster heading into Sunday.
Final note
The rematch mixes past grievances with current stakes. Fans should expect a physical game at the Moody Center.
Filmogaz.com will provide coverage and postgame reaction. Both teams enter with clear narratives and urgency. Good defense and rebounding should determine the outcome.
