Texas Longhorns vs. UConn Huskies: Preview, Betting Odds, How to Watch

The Texas Longhorns get ready for the biggest game of their young season when they take on the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

In their first game at the Empire Classic in New York City on Sunday night, the Texas Longhorns escaped with an 81-80 win over the Louisville Cardinals, as Max Abmas hit the game-winning jumper with 0.4 seconds left.

Things only get tougher from here for the Longhorns.

No. 15 Texas (4-0) will take on the defending national champions and No. 5 UConn Huskies (4-0) at Madison Square Garden on Monday night in the final for the two-game tournament.

UConn and Indiana played at MSG right before Texas and Louisville tipped off on Sunday, but there wasn't as many thrills. The Huskies dominated en route to a 77-57 win over the Hoosiers. UConn guard and El Paso, Texas native Tristen Newton led the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Both he and sophomore center Donovan Clingan will likely be the focal points for coach Dan Hurley's squad against the Longhorns on Monday.

Texas would've met the Huskies in the Final Four in Houston last season, but instead fell in heart-breaking fashion to the Miami Hurricanes in the Elite Eight. UConn would go on to beat Miami before topping San Diego State in the National Championship.

UConn leads the all-time series vs. Texas, 3-6.

Texas Longhorns guard Max Abmas (3) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Louisville Cardinals at Madison Square Garden / © Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY

WHAT: UConn Huskies (4-0, 0-0 Big East) vs. Texas Longhorns (4-0, 0-0 Big 12)

WHERE: Madison Square Garden - New York City (10,763)

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, 6 p.m. CT

HOW TO WATCH: ESPNU

HOW TO LISTEN: Longhorn Radio Network

TICKETS: SI Tickets

BETTING Odds via SI Sportsbook

SPREAD: Longhorns +6.5

O/U: 143.5

MONEYLINE: UConn -300, Texas +215

Max Abmas Hits Game Winner as Texas Survives vs. Louisville