Texas Longhorns Face Northwestern State in Final Test Before SEC Play

The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for their last nonconference game on Sunday afternoon as they host the Northwestern State Demons in Austin. With a three-game win streak under their belt, the Longhorns (10-2) are focused on fine-tuning their defense and building momentum as they head into their first-ever Southeastern Conference season.

Texas Longhorns: All About Momentum

Texas has been on fire lately, coming off a dominant 98-62 win over New Orleans on Dec. 19. They’ve had 10 days to rest and regroup, making this game the perfect opportunity to tighten up their strategy before opening SEC play against No. 13 Texas A&M on Jan. 4.

Justin Pope stole the show in their last outing, dropping a career-high 42 points—the most by any Texas player since 1996. Arthur Kaluma added 15 points, and Chendall Weaver chipped in 12, showing how deep this roster can be.

There’s also hope for the return of freshman guard Tre Johnson, one of the team’s brightest young stars. Johnson has missed the last two games and is listed as day-to-day, but this matchup could give him some much-needed minutes to shake off the rust before the SEC grind begins. Head coach Rodney Terry has his sights set on defense as the key to success.

Northwestern State: Grit and Growth

The Demons (5-6) are coming into Austin with some momentum of their own after beating Southern-New Orleans 89-79 on Dec. 20. Addison Patterson was the star of that game, putting up 33 points, grabbing 10 boards, and dishing out four assists in a standout performance.

However, Northwestern State has had a tough nonconference schedule, facing four power-conference teams—Texas Tech, Oklahoma, LSU, and Cal—and losing all of those games by at least 16 points. Despite the challenges, head coach Rick Cabrera is optimistic about what his team can gain from these high-level matchups.

“Our guys are always ready to play,” Cabrera said. “Texas is extremely talented, and we’re looking forward to competing with one of the top programs in the country.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Texas’ Defensive Identity
  The Longhorns want to control the game with their defense, and how they handle Addison Patterson’s scoring ability will be a great test of their readiness for SEC competition.
• Patterson’s Hot Streak
  Coming off a career-high 33 points, Patterson will look to challenge Texas’ defense and find ways to get his team on the scoreboard.
• Tre Johnson’s Return
  If Johnson gets playing time, this game could provide a glimpse of his role in Texas’ rotation as the SEC schedule heats up.

Dive Into the Action – Explore Now!

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

A Look Back

Texas and Northwestern State have met five times, and the Longhorns have won every matchup. Their last meeting, in 2017, ended with a commanding 105-57 win for Texas.

What’s at Stake

For Texas:
This game is about building confidence and locking in their defensive approach before the SEC season starts. A strong performance here will set the tone for their first matchup against Texas A&M.

For Northwestern State:
While an upset isn’t likely, this is a chance for the Demons to compete against a top-tier program and gain valuable experience that will help them as they return to Southland Conference play on Jan. 4.

NBA Daily Picks: Your Guide to Today’s Best Bets and Odds

Final Thoughts

The Longhorns are heavily favored in this game, with their depth, recent form, and home-court advantage giving them a clear edge. For Texas, this is all about staying sharp and fine-tuning their game plan for the SEC. For Northwestern State, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow while competing against one of the nation’s best teams.

Fans can expect Texas to dominate early and control the pace, using this game as a springboard into what promises to be an exciting SEC season.