BYU's NCAA Tourney Path: Texas or NC State, Then Gonzaga?

0:00On March 15, BYU earned a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row. The Cougars open play on Thursday in Portland against the winner of the Texas vs. NC State game. Game time gets announced later today. Meanwhile, Texas and NC State tip off Tuesday evening in Dayton. The Wolfpacks sit at number 34 in Kenpom ratings with the long horns right behind at 37. BYU ranks much higher at 23. Both teams head into the tournament struggling lately, dropping five of their last six games. Texas finished 18 and 14, NC State 20 and 13. Offense carries them though, both ranking 20th in efficiency. NC State pushes the pace and drains threes while Texas grinds slower, leans on big men and attacks the free throw line. If BYU advances to the round of 32, they could face Gonzaga next. The Zags count on star big man Graham Ike, one of the nation's best inside. A big question Mark hangs over Gonzaga's Bradenhoff and his knee injury that sidelined him since January.

1:04He averages 18 points a game and pairs perfectly with Ike up front. Coach Mark few hopes for a tournament return, but says it's unlikely in the first two rounds. BYU fans will watch that match up closely as the bracket unfolds.