Texas Longhorns Survive NC State Scare in March Madness First Four
DAYTON, OH – In a thrilling First Four matchup that lived up to the hype of March Madness, the Texas Longhorns narrowly escaped with a 68-66 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. A last-second jumper from senior guard Tramon Mark sealed the win, but the game was far from a comfortable affair for Sean Miller’s squad.
The Longhorns appeared to be in control for much of the contest, building a nine-point lead with under two minutes remaining. However, a furious rally fueled by four consecutive three-pointers from NC State dramatically shifted the momentum. Texas struggled to maintain possession against a relentless full-court press, turning the ball over twice during the Wolfpack’s comeback attempt.
Tramon Mark, already having delivered a clutch turnaround jumper to briefly extend Texas’ lead, ultimately proved to be the hero. His game-winning shot with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock capped off a chaotic finish. Prior to the decisive basket, NC State had a chance to take the lead, but Tre Holloman missed his first free throw – a rare misstep after a perfect 5-for-5 performance earlier in the game. A subsequent desperation attempt by Darrion Williams, who finished with a game-high 21 points, was blocked, ending the Wolfpack’s hopes.
This First Four contest bore little resemblance to the teams’ earlier meeting at the Maui Invitational in November, a 102-97 Texas victory. The Dayton rematch was a defensive struggle, with both teams failing to shoot above 40% from the field. The game’s messy nature, however, perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable spirit of March Madness.
For first-year Texas head coach Sean Miller, the win represents a significant step forward. He had previously been eliminated at this same stage while coaching Xavier, making this victory particularly sweet. But the Longhorns have little time to savor the moment. A challenging matchup against No. 6 seed BYU and the nation’s leading scorer, A.J. Dybantsa, awaits them in Portland, Oregon on Thursday.
Will the Longhorns’ resilience be enough to carry them through the tournament? And can they contain the offensive firepower of A.J. Dybantsa and BYU?
The First Four: A Crucible of March Madness
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s First Four, introduced in 2011, serves as a thrilling prelude to the main event. These games pit the last four at-large teams and the lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers against each other for the final four spots in the 68-team bracket. Often overlooked, the First Four consistently delivers dramatic moments and upsets, proving that every team has a chance to make a run. Learn more about the history of the First Four on NCAA.com.
Sean Miller’s Return to Tournament Success
Sean Miller’s tenure at Texas began with high expectations, and this First Four victory is a crucial early milestone. After a disappointing exit at the same stage last year with Xavier, Miller will be eager to lead the Longhorns on a deeper tournament run. His coaching acumen and ability to adapt will be key factors in their success. For a deeper dive into Sean Miller’s coaching career, visit ESPN’s profile on Sean Miller.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Texas Longhorns’ March Madness Win
What was the final score of the Texas vs. NC State game?
The final score was Texas 68, NC State 66.
Who scored the game-winning basket for Texas?
Tramon Mark scored the game-winning basket for the Texas Longhorns with 1.1 seconds remaining.
What is the significance of the First Four in March Madness?
The First Four determines the final four teams to enter the 68-team NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket.
Who is A.J. Dybantsa, and why is he a threat?
A.J. Dybantsa is the nation’s leading scorer and a key player for BYU, posing a significant challenge for the Texas Longhorns in their next tournament game.
How did NC State attempt to come back in the game?
NC State mounted a furious comeback by hitting four consecutive three-pointers in the final two minutes of the game.
Don’t miss any of the action! Share this article with fellow college basketball fans and join the conversation in the comments below. What are your predictions for Texas’s next game against BYU?
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