Texas vs. Colorado State March Madness: Preview, Betting Odds, How to Watch

The Texas Longhorns and Colorado State Rams will matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

CHARLOTTE — The No. 7 seed Texas Longhorns and No. 10 seed Colorado State Rams will face off in the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday in Charlotte for the third-ever meeting between the two programs. 

Colorado State (25-10, 10-8) took down Virginia at the First Four in Dayton on Tuesday to punch a ticket to the first round. The Rams were seen as a lock to avoid the play-in, but multiple bid stealers in the other conference tournaments forced No. 10 seeds into the First Four for the first time ever. 

Texas’ (20-12, 9-9) most recent game came in a 78-74 loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament last week. The Longhorns were unable to defend their tournament title, but still jumped up to a No. 7 seed despite the expectation that they’d be in the 8/9 range.

USA Today

Texas is led by guard Max Abmas (17.1 points) and forward Dylan Disu (15.8 points) but the Rams have a dynamic duo of their own.

Colorado State guard Isaiah Stevens, an Allen (Dallas), Texas native, leads the Rams in points (16.2) and assists (6.9). A five-year senior, he’s making his second NCAA Tournament appearance. CSU also boasts versatile guard Nique Clifford, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the win over Virginia. 

The Longhorns lead the all-time series 2-0, though the last meeting was Dec. 15, 1952 in Austin. 

Thursday will be the Longhorns’ 38th overall appearance in March Madness. Texas is one of seven schools to appear in at least 22 of the last 25 NCAA Tournament and one of six programs to appear in at least 30 of the last 35 tournament.

Texas to Face Colorado State in First Round of NCAA Tournament

WHAT: No. 7 Texas Longhorns (20-12, 9-9 Big 12) vs. Colorado State Rams (25-10, 10-8 Mountain West)

WHERE: Spectrum Center - Charlotte, N.C.

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 2024, 5:50 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: TNT

HOW TO LISTEN: Longhorn Radio Network

TICKETS: SI Tickets

BETTING Odds: Visit SI Sportsbook

SPREAD: Texas -3.5

OVER/UNDER: 144.5

MONEYLINE: Texas -158, Colorado State +125