A smaller test for the Texas basketball program looms ahead of the start of Big 12 play this season, and before the turn of the calendar year. The 3-9 High Point Panthers might be the worst team that Texas plays this season on the hardwood. But Texas is used to making games closer than they should be against vastly inferior competition.
Just look back at the narrow 73-71 win over the McNeese State Cowboys and the 22-point loss to the Providence Friars. This trend for head Texas basketball coach Shaka Smart is not just emerging this season either.