AUSTIN, Texas — Despite the mediocre regular season, 16-16 overall, Shaka Smart's Longhorns will host a sweet 16 party Sunday afternoon.
UT's 79-73 win over South Dakota State in Tuesday night's National Invitation Tournament opener advanced the Longhorns into the sweet 16 round of the 32-team postseason tournament.
Thanks to Tuesday night's win over South Dakota State, the Horns are assured of a non-losing season with a 17-16 overall record.
Texas will host Xavier (Ohio) Sunday at 3 PM at the Erwin Center in an NIT second-round game. The Musketeers defeated Toledo in their NIT opener, 78-64.
If the Horns beat Xavier and win again in the NIT quarterfinals, Texas will travel to Madison Square Garden in New York City for the NIT final four.
One would think the attendance will improve since the the Xavier game is on a Sunday. The total attendance at the Erwin Center Tuesday night was 1739.