Texas vs. William & Mary Set for Late NCAA Tournament Tip-Off

The Texas women’s basketball team is set to face William & Mary in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night at 8:45 p.m. This game marks the latest start time of the season for Texas. Texas previously had games starting at 8 p.m. against Oklahoma, Missouri, and Vanderbilt.

Texas coach Vic Schaefer has adjusted the team’s pregame routine to accommodate the late start. He is allowing players to sleep in and scheduling brunch for 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, William & Mary coach Erin Dickerson Davis has also modified her team’s schedule. She is emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and enjoying the tournament atmosphere.

Fans of William & Mary, located in Virginia, will be tuning in at 9:45 p.m. local time. Despite the late hour, both teams are looking forward to the excitement of March Madness. For more details, you can read the full article on the Statesman website.

Texas Longhorns Adjust to Late Start Time

The Texas Longhorns have had to make significant adjustments to their pregame routine due to the unusually late start time for their NCAA Tournament game against William & Mary. Coach Vic Schaefer has planned a relaxed schedule for the day, allowing the players to get extra rest. The team will have brunch at 11 a.m., followed by a film session at 12:30 p.m.

The shootaround and pregame meal will also be pushed back to accommodate the late tip-off.

Impact on Players’ Routine

Coach Schaefer believes that allowing the players to sleep in will help them stay fresh for the game. The relaxed schedule aims to keep the team focused and energized for the late start. This approach has been designed to ensure that the players are mentally and physically prepared to face William & Mary.

William & Mary’s Preparation Strategy

William & Mary coach Erin Dickerson Davis has also made adjustments to her team’s routine. She has instructed her players to complete their homework in the morning, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation. The team will have a shootaround in the afternoon and spend time watching other tournament games to soak in the March Madness atmosphere.

Focus on Mental Preparation

Coach Dickerson Davis wants her players to enjoy the excitement of the tournament while staying focused on the task at hand. By allowing the players to watch other games, she hopes to inspire them and help them get into the right mindset for their own game. The team’s schedule has been carefully planned to ensure that they are ready to compete at their best.

Fans’ Perspective

For fans of William & Mary, the late start time means that they will be watching the game at 9:45 p.m. local time. This late hour has not dampened their enthusiasm, as they are eager to support their team.

Senior guard Bella Nascimento humorously noted that the game time is close to her bedtime. This highlights the challenge of playing late but also the excitement of participating in March Madness.

Support from Afar

Despite the late hour, fans back in Virginia are expected to tune in and support their team. The enthusiasm and support from fans can provide a significant boost to the players, knowing that they have a strong backing even from afar. This support is crucial in high-stakes games like those in the NCAA Tournament.

Historical Context

Late-night games are not a new experience for the Texas Longhorns. Two years ago, they played a first-round game against East Carolina at 9 p.m., where they secured a decisive 79-40 victory.

This historical context provides confidence for the team, knowing that they have successfully navigated late start times in the past.

Building on Past Success

The experience of playing and winning late-night games can be a valuable asset for the Longhorns. It helps the team understand the challenges and how to overcome them, building resilience and confidence. This historical success can serve as a motivational factor as they prepare for their upcoming game against William & Mary.

Conclusion

As the Texas Longhorns and William & Mary prepare for their first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament, both teams have made significant adjustments to their routines to accommodate the late start time.

The focus on mental preparation, rest, and enjoying the tournament atmosphere highlights the importance of being adaptable and ready for any challenge.

Fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating the game, despite the late hour, and their support will be crucial for the players.

With historical success in late-night games, the Longhorns are confident and ready to face William & Mary in what promises to be an exciting and competitive matchup.

For more details, visit the Statesman website.