Before heading to the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament, Texas sought inspiration from football coach Steve Sarkisian through a motivational pep talk. Sarkisian, who led the Longhorns to victory in the Big 12 football championship and the College Football Playoff, emphasized the importance of perseverance, continuous growth throughout the season, and thorough preparation. “Every battle is won before it is fought,” Sarkisian remarked.

The 7th-seeded Longhorns are set to maintain their late-season momentum against No. 10 seed Kansas State in the tournament’s second round at T-Mobile Center on Wednesday. Despite potential challenges, even a loss to the Wildcats is unlikely to significantly affect the Longhorns’ standing, as they are projected as a No. 8 or No. 9 seed in most NCAA Tournament predictions.

UT coach Rodney Terry highlighted the key message from Sarkisian, emphasizing the need to play without regrets, maintain impeccable preparation, and unite as a team. The Longhorns concluded their regular season with three wins in their last four games, including a notable victory over Oklahoma. This strong finish comes after a series of ups and downs throughout the season, characterized by victories against ranked teams followed by subsequent losses

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Now entering the postseason, beginning with the Big 12 tournament followed by the NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns recognize the importance of seizing opportunities and delivering decisive performances. Terry emphasized the significance of aiming for a “knockout punch” in postseason play, illustrating the team’s objective of dominating their opponents for the entirety of each game.

Despite recent challenges, Terry expressed confidence in the team’s evolution and praised the contributions of key players such as Dylan Disu, Max Abmas, and Tyrese Hunter. While the Longhorns currently appear secure in their tournament seeding, there is potential for upward movement with a successful tournament run.

On the other hand, Kansas State enters the tournament with renewed determination after a late-season victory over Iowa State. The Wildcats, known for performing well under pressure, aim to capitalize on this momentum and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, they face a formidable opponent in Texas, who emerged victorious in their previous matchup.

As both teams prepare for their tournament clash, Terry emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment and approaching each game with determination and intensity.