Can UTSA Roadrunners Basketball Make the NCAA Tournament This Season?
As I sit here watching the UTSA Roadrunners warm up for another crucial conference game, I can't help but wonder - can this team actually make the NCAA Tournament this season? I've been following this program since my college days back in 2015, and there's something different about this year's squad that gives me genuine hope. The energy in the Convocation Center feels electric tonight, and I'm getting that familiar tingle of excitement that usually means something special might be brewing.
You know, watching these players reminds me of something my own coach used to say - "Every game, nandyan siya." That Filipino phrase roughly translates to "Every game, he's there," but it carries so much more meaning. It's about showing up consistently, through good times and bad, just like my father did throughout my childhood basketball career. From the time I was little, he was always there pushing me to play better, to never give up. He'd only miss games when he was genuinely sick, and even then he'd call for updates between quarters. That kind of unwavering support creates a foundation that transforms ordinary players into champions, and I'm starting to see that same dedication in this UTSA team.
The Roadrunners currently stand at 18-9 overall with a 12-4 conference record, putting them in serious contention for at least an NIT bid if not the big dance. Their NET ranking has improved dramatically from last season's 214 to 87 currently, which is exactly the kind of jump tournament committees notice. What's impressed me most is their resilience - they've won 7 of their last 10 games, including that stunning overtime victory against Memphis where they rallied from 14 points down in the second half. I was at that game, and the determination in those players' eyes during those final minutes reminded me exactly why I fell in love with college basketball.
Their offense has been clicking at an impressive rate, averaging 78.3 points per game while shooting 46% from the field. The backcourt duo of Massal Diouf and Adante Holiman has been particularly outstanding, combining for nearly 35 points per game. But what statistics can't capture is their chemistry - the way they communicate on defense, the unselfish ball movement, the trust they clearly have in each other. It's that intangible quality that separates tournament teams from the rest of the pack.
Looking at their remaining schedule, there are three particularly challenging matchups that will likely determine their tournament fate. The February 24th game against North Texas presents a classic rivalry that always brings out the best in both teams, followed by a crucial road test at Florida Atlantic on March 2nd. But the real season-definer could be the regular season finale against SMU on March 9th. If UTSA can win at least two of these three games while avoiding bad losses elsewhere, their resume will look increasingly compelling to the selection committee.
The conference tournament will obviously be critical too. UTSA hasn't won their conference tournament since 2011, but this feels like their best chance in over a decade. They match up well against top-seeded teams, and their depth could prove advantageous in those back-to-back tournament scenarios. I've watched enough college basketball to recognize when a team has that special "it" factor, and there's something about how these Roadrunners handle pressure situations that makes me think they could make a serious run.
Of course, there are legitimate concerns. Their rebounding margin sits at just +2.1, which could hurt them against more physical tournament teams. They also struggle sometimes with foul trouble - their big men average about 3.2 personal fouls per game, which limits their defensive aggression in crucial moments. And while their three-point defense has improved, they're still allowing opponents to shoot 34% from beyond the arc. These are the kind of weaknesses that get exposed against elite competition.
But here's what gives me hope - this team learns from their mistakes. Earlier in the season, they blew a 12-point lead against UAB by committing costly turnovers down the stretch. Since that game, they've reduced their turnover average from 14.2 to 10.8 per game. That ability to adjust and improve tells me Coach Henson has these players buying into the process, focusing on incremental growth rather than getting discouraged by setbacks.
I remember talking to a UTSA assistant coach after practice last week, and he mentioned how this team has embraced that "every game, nandyan siya" mentality I mentioned earlier. They show up mentally prepared regardless of the opponent, they support each other through slumps, and they've developed the consistency that marks all great teams. It's the same philosophy my father instilled in me - success isn't about occasional brilliance but about reliable excellence.
As we approach tournament season, I genuinely believe UTSA has about a 65% chance of making the NCAA Tournament if they maintain their current trajectory. They might need to win their conference tournament to get the automatic bid, but an at-large bid isn't completely out of the question if they finish strong. Either way, this has already been a transformative season for Roadrunners basketball, restoring excitement to a program that's been searching for an identity.
The journey continues tomorrow night against Rice, another must-win game in this compelling late-season push. I'll be there in my usual seat behind the bench, cheering louder than ever because this team has earned that support. They've shown up all season, through injuries and tough losses and moments of doubt, proving that consistency and dedication can turn ambitious dreams into achievable goals. And if they do make the tournament? Well, I might just have to book my flights to whatever city hosts their first-round games because witnessing that breakthrough in person would be absolutely priceless.
