Texas Basketball: 3 takeaways from disappointing loss to Villanova

Texas basketball came up with their first loss of the 2020-21 campaign, falling four points short of Villanova at home on Dec. 6.

A huge opportunity loomed for head coach Shaka Smart and the Texas basketball program on Dec. 6 as they took on head coach Jay Wright and the No. 12 ranked Villanova Wildcats in the Big 12/Big East Battle at home at the Frank Erwin Center. Texas came into the Big 12/Big East Battle against Villanova with the No. 17 ranking in the AP Poll and with a record of 4-0 (0-0 Big 12).

There was a lot on the line for both sides. Villanova didn’t want to fall to two losses on the season. They already faltered once, against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Falling short to the Longhorns too would put Villanova in a tough position when they head into Big East play in the very near future.

This might also be the most talented team that Smart and the Longhorns faced this season. Time will tell if the North Carolina Tar Heels or Villanova is the better team, but both definitely bring a ton of talent and depth to the table. The advantage for the Longhorns in this one was getting Villanova at home.

Texas was coming off of their Maui Invitational Championship from last week. They defeated the Davidson Wildcats, Indiana Hoosiers, and Tar Heels, to get the Maui Invitational Championship. But Texas ultimately fell short to Villanova in a thriller at the Erwin Center, by the final score of 68-64. Texas just couldn’t quite get it done in the final minutes of the game, letting Villanova walk out of the Erwin Center with the win.

Here’s a look into three takeaways from the Longhorns four-point loss to Villanova on Dec. 6.