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NCAA Basketball: Texas and Texas A&M are renewing their rivalry

By Colton Pickard

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Kerwin Roach II #12 of the Texas Longhorns reacts with teammate Dylan Osetkowski #21 during the first half of the game against the Lipscomb Bisons at Madison Square Garden on April 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Kerwin Roach II #12 of the Texas Longhorns reacts with teammate Dylan Osetkowski #21 during the first half of the game against the Lipscomb Bisons at Madison Square Garden on April 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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After Texas A&M joined the SEC, the rivalry between the two Texas schools died off. Buzz Williams is trying to kickstart the rivalry back up in 2019.

Texas A&M announced the Lone Star Showdown is back on via Twitter. The only time the two schools have faced off since the Aggies left the Big 12 in 2012 was in the 2015 Battle 4 Atlantis in Shaka Smart‘s first season with the Texas Longhorns.

But on Dec. 8, Texas and Texas A&M’s men’s basketball teams will play against each other at the new Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

https://twitter.com/aggiembk/status/1139611384763863040

"“This is a terrific opportunity to renew an important rivalry for the fans in the great state of Texas,” said Texas head coach Shaka Smart in a statement. “We’re excited about the chance to play in a first-class arena in front of our fans in the Metroplex.”"

Smart isn’t the only coach that seems to be excited for the renewed rivalry. Texan Buzz Williams is also excited to see the two teams face off once again.

"”I’ve seen the Texas A&M-Texas rivalry first-hand, so I know how important this game is to our players, coaches and fans,” Williams said. “We’re also excited about getting the opportunity to play in front of our Metroplex alumni in the new Dickies Arena. This is one of those games that generates passion from both sides and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”"

The Longhorns haven’t won a NCAA Tournament game since Rick Barnes was the head coach. Although the Aggies made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2018 they missed the tournament two out of the last three years.

Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, the one from the SEC moreso than the Longhorns. Both teams missed the Big Dance but the Big 12 school advanced to the NIT tournament while the Aggies stayed at home.

The Aggies fired Billy Kennedy after their disappointing season last year and are hoping things with new head coach Buzz Williams go a little better.

Both teams need a boost in the right direction and winning the game on December 8 could get either team ready for conference play.

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The Aggies return five of their six leading scorers from last season and upgraded at the coaching position with Williams. The Longhorns currently dominate the series 137-86 but the Aggies could soon be making a return to prominence.