The historic rivalry moves to San Antonio as the Longhorns test their elite roster against the Bears in a neutral-site clash at the Frost Bank Center this November.
Texas basketball will add another marquee matchup to its challenging nonconference schedule this season, as the Longhorns are set to take on Baylor in the inaugural San Antonio Hoops Showdown on Nov. 15 at the Frost Bank Center.
The neutral-site contest gives Sean Miller's program an early opportunity to measure itself against another talented in-state opponent while playing in an NCAA Tournament-caliber environment.
The meeting will mark the 264th all-time game between Texas and Baylor, one of the state's longest-running basketball rivalries. Although the two schools are no longer conference opponents following Texas' move to the SEC, the matchup ensures the rivalry remains alive.
The Longhorns have historically controlled the series, entering the contest with a 165-98 advantage, and the latest chapter promises to be another meaningful one for both programs.
For Miller, scheduling a game of this caliber is exactly what he envisioned while building the Longhorns' schedule. Texas is expected to enter the season with one of the nation's strongest rosters, and facing Baylor early provides a valuable test before conference play begins.
Playing in the home of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs also gives the Longhorns experience in an arena that could host NCAA Tournament games later in the season.
"This allows us to tap into our San Antonio fan base, and in particular our great relationship with the San Antonio Spurs," Miller said. "The Spurs come to Moody Center and play, and now we can reciprocate and go to where they call their home court... It’s great for the continued relationship and development of that between The University of Texas and the San Antonio Spurs."
The Longhorns are expected to face several quality opponents before SEC competition begins, giving the team multiple chances to build an NCAA Tournament résumé while preparing for one of the toughest leagues in college basketball. A neutral-site showdown against the Bears only adds to that challenge.
With ticket sales beginning Oct. 1 and television details expected to be announced later, anticipation should continue to build for one of the state's premier basketball matchups.
