Sean Miller says Texas not Cinderella despite Sweet 16 run

PORTLAND, Ore.–Don’t tell coach Sean Miller that the 11th-seeded texas is a Cinderella team, regardless of the program 74-68 upset victory above third seed gonzaga Suggests otherwise.

Moments after the Longhorns earned their 11th NCAA Tournament win as a double-digit seed in the Sweet 16 on Saturday, the most of any program since seeding began in 1979, Miller let it be known that he doesn’t view his team as the tournament’s underdog.

“I don’t think we would ever want to sign up for a Cinderella story, because of who we are the University of Texas, and what we represent in the SEC,” Miller said confidently.

Miller had every right to flexibility. Texas’ win over the Bulldogs came after defeating the sixth-seeded BYU In the first round despite the freshman phenom’s 35-point performance. AJ DiBantsa.

East Arizona And Xavier’s The coaches have improved to 9–1 (including blank games) in the round of 32 and have won their last nine games. Miller’s record in the Round of 32 is the best record of any coach since the tournament expanded to 32 teams (minimum 10 games) in 1975, ahead of Mike Krzyzewski (26–6) and Bob Knight (14–4).

Miller has been to the Sweet 16 frequently, but he is the first Longhorns coach to get there in his first season.

Miller credited the Longhorns’ rigorous regular season conference schedule, which included wins alabama, missouri, Georgia And Texas A&MAs an indicator that they are equipped for running.

“There are no easy games in the SEC. The league itself prepares you for the postseason,” Miller said. “…Sometimes the lessons learned along the way make you stronger. We’re a much better team right now than we were a month ago.”

Texas became the sixth team to start in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 since the First Four began in 2011. The Longhorns would not have been able to accomplish this feat without the guard’s flexibility. Jordan Pope.

Pope, who finished with a team-best 17 points, rolled his ankle around the five-minute mark of regulation. And despite limping across the hardwood for the remainder of regulation, Pope managed to hold on once again. With 2:31 left, he was located at the top of the key when he sank a 3-pointer to give Texas a 69–64 lead.

Texas did not score again until the 14-second mark when the forward Camden Hyde A 3-pointer from the corner was converted, followed by a transition layup by the center. matatus vokiaitis To consolidate the victory.

“We’re playing our best right now and hopefully we can keep that going,” Miller said.