Andy Katz Has Longhorns in No. 1 Spot In Elite Eight Power Rankings

NCAA.com’s Andy Katz has the Longhorns looking like the team to beat entering the Elite Eight.

© Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY

Eight teams remain in the running to make the trip to Houston for this year’s Final Four. But will all four top seeds being eliminated from contention, which program is the front-runner for No. 1 status? 

According to Andy Katz, the Texas Longhorns are the top remaining team in this year’s NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns will face fifth-seeded Miami Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. for a chance to make the big dance’s final round for the first time since 2003. 

If Friday’s 83-71 Sweet 16 win over NCAA Midwest regional opponent Xavier taught fans anything, it’s that Texas is back in the driver’s seat. Five Longhorns scored over 10 points, while four shot at least 43 percent from the field. 

🚨 @TheAndyKatz's Elite 8 Power Rankings:

1. Texas
2. UConn
3. Gonzaga
4. Kansas State
5. Miami
6. Creighton
7. San Diego State
8. FAU#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/2bwdXxMAjG

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 25, 2023

UConn and Gonzaga, who finished ranked in the AP’s top 10 final standings before the tournament, finished second and third, respectively in Katz’s rankings. Kansas State, which continues to close out games under first-year coach Jerome Tang, came in fourth while Miami rounded out the top five. 

Terry, who took over for Chris Beard following his suspension and later firing in December, has been the driving force in Texas’ run. Posting a 22-7 record, along with a 6-0 mark in the postseason, Terry’s belief, along with a veteran presence on the court, could be the reason Texas cuts down the bets for the first time in program history. 

“In the NCAA Tournament, you have to continue to want more,” Terry said. “I mean each round, don't be satisfied with it. Enjoy this victory for one day like we have all year long, and then we'll be on to the next challenge with a quick turnaround.”

Tip-off from the T-Mobile Center against the Hurricanes is set for 4:05 p.m.

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