DAYTON, Ohio — The University of Texas’ NCAA First Four matchup on Wednesday, March 19, is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:10 p.m. Central (9:10 p.m. Eastern), as announced by CBS Sports and Turner Sports on Sunday night. The Longhorns (19-15, 6-12 Big 12), holding the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region, will compete against No. 11 seed Xavier (21-11, 13-7 BIG EAST) at the University of Dayton Arena. The game will be broadcast nationally on truTV.

If Texas secures a victory against Xavier, they will move on to face No. 6 seed Illinois in the NCAA First Round on Friday, March 21, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tip-off for Friday’s matchup at Fiserv Forum is set for approximately 8:45 p.m. Central (9:45 p.m. Eastern), with national coverage provided by CBS.

This will mark the Longhorns’ fifth consecutive and 39th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Texas has earned a spot in 23 of the past 26 NCAA tournaments (excluding the 2021 postseason, which was canceled due to COVID-19), making them one of only seven teams nationwide to accomplish this feat. Additionally, Texas is among just six programs to qualify for at least 31 of the last 36 NCAA tournaments.

The Longhorns are making their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance (2021-22-23-24-25), their longest streak since a 14-year stretch from 1999 to 2012. Texas aims to win its opening tournament game for the fourth consecutive season, having reached the NCAA Second Round in 2022, the Elite Eight in 2023, and the Second Round again in 2024. A victory this year would extend their longest such streak since winning at least one NCAA Tournament game in four straight seasons from 2006 to 2009 (2006 Elite Eight, 2007 Second Round, 2008 Elite Eight, 2009 Second Round).

Most NCAA Tournament Appearances in the Last 26 Years (since 1998-99)

(Excludes 2020, which was canceled due to COVID-19)

Most NCAA Tournament Appearances in the Last 36 Years (since 1988-89)

(Excludes 2020, which was canceled due

to  COVID-19)