Get ready for another epic showdown, because Texas and Baylor are hitting the hardwood again on November 15 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. This isn’t just any game; it’s their first face-off since the Longhorns snagged a wild 75-73 victory over the ninth-ranked Bears on January 20, 2024, thanks to Tyrese Hunter’s clutch winning layup at the final buzzer. Yeah, that one still stings for Baylor.
Why This San Antonio Showdown Is No Ordinary Game
Longhorns coach Sean Miller is absolutely pumped about this “San Antonio Hoops Showdown,” and he’s not holding back on the reasons. The Spurs announced it officially on Tuesday, and tickets drop on October 1. Miller made it clear: “We wanted to play a high-quality opponent knowing we’re going to challenge our team to the highest level, and Baylor does that.” He also threw in, “The fact that they are also from our state is icing on the cake.” His team is walking into the 2026-27 season as a consensus preseason top-10 team after rolling to the Sweet 16 and a 25-15 record last season. Miller, now in his second season with Texas, knows this game is a massive test right out of the gate.
Sean Miller’s Masterstroke: Beyond Just a Rivalry
But here’s where it gets real interesting. Miller is thinking bigger than just a great rivalry game. He’s got his eyes on connecting with the massive San Antonio fan base and strengthening that relationship with the Spurs. “The Spurs come to Moody Center and play, and now we can reciprocate and go to their home court,” Miller said. How cool is that for the players, right? Playing in an NBA arena is a huge deal for these guys, because that’s where they all want to be one day. And get this: the Frost Bank Center is also hosting the NCAA South Regional on March 25 and 27. Miller didn’t hide his strategic thinking there either. He said, “If we are able to make the NCAA Tournament this year, there are a lot of different sites that you could go to. One of those possibilities is San Antonio and Frost Bank Center. That is not our reason for playing this game, but there is a chance that could happen, and the fact that we could already have played there one time is, again, icing on the cake.” That’s next-level planning, especially with Texas bringing in a top recruiting class, including the 2027 No. 1 recruit Marcus Spears Jr. The Longhorns are aiming high, man.
Baylor coach Scott Drew, who’s kicking off his 24th season, sees it as a showcase for hoops in the state. “The state of Texas has always been home to outstanding college basketball, and any time you have two in-state programs like Baylor and Texas competing on a neutral floor, it’s great for the game,” Drew said. He’s not wrong. This game isn’t just bragging rights; it’s a huge early season barometer for both squads, especially with Texas’s postseason ambitions. Get ready for November 15, because it’s going to be absolute fire.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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