Texas Escapes Hurricane Damage in South Region

D.J. Augustin and the Longhorns barely survived. (AP Images)

All Texas wanted to do this weekend in Arkansas was make it to Houston. Maybe they started thinking about next week too early. The Longhorns nearly blew any chance of playing in front of their fans by allowing Miami to sneak back into a South Region game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

Rick Barnes’ team averted disaster and wrapped up a Sweet 16 berth with a nailbiting 75-72 victory at Alltell Arena in Little Rock, Ark. The Longhorns had an 11-point lead at halftime but a furious rally by the Hurricanes closed the lead to within two with seconds to play.

An airball at at the free-throw line by star guard D.J. Augustin made things even more dicey for Texas. But with only 1.8 seconds left to force overtime, No. 7 Miami couldn’t come up with a shot and succumbed.

No. 2 Texas appeared to have the cover locked up early, but it disappointed its bettors with the late swoon that cost them a win against the point spread of seven.

A.J. Abrams had 26 points to lead all scorers and Damion James added 16 for the Longhorns. Conner Atchley had 15 and Augustin finished with 12.

Miami’s Jack McClinton, who had 38 points in the first round, scored 18 in the loss.

Get complete NCAA men's basketball tournament second round results and updated NCAA college basketball lines in the Bodog Sportsbook.