The Texas Longhorns defeated N.C. State 68-66 in a First Four game of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio. Tramon Mark scored the game-winning fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining. As the No. 11 seed in the West region, Texas will now proceed to face sixth-seeded BYU on Thursday in Portland, Oregon.
Tramon Mark scored the game-winning fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining.
Game Overview
On Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, the Texas Longhorns secured a 68-66 victory over N.C. State in a First Four NCAA Tournament contest. The game-winning shot was a fadeaway jumper made by Tramon Mark from 19 feet with 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Both teams entered the tournament with recent losing records; Texas had lost five of their last six games, and N.C. State also recorded five losses in their previous six.
Key Game Moments
Texas initially established a 25-15 lead in the first half but went scoreless over the final 4 minutes and 6 seconds. N.C. State concluded the half with a 14-5 run, reducing the halftime deficit to 30-29.
In the second half, Texas built a 62-53 lead with 2 minutes and 56 seconds left to play after two free throws by Chendall Weaver. N.C. State responded by scoring 10 points within 1 minute and 12 seconds. This run included two 3-pointers by Paul McNeil Jr. and another 3-pointer by Darrion Williams, which narrowed the deficit to one point. Tre Holloman then made one of two free throws, tying the score at 66-all. Texas utilized most of the remaining game clock before Mark connected for the winning basket. N.C. State was unable to attempt a final shot before the buzzer sounded.
Player Statistics
Texas:
- Tramon Mark: 17 points
- Matas Vokietaitis: 15 points
- Dailyn Swain: 13 points
- Chendall Weaver: 11 points, 10 rebounds (recorded his first career double-double)
N.C. State:
- Darrion Williams: 21 points
- Quadir Copeland: 16 points
- Paul McNeil Jr.: 11 points
Team Context and Background
This contest marked the second meeting between the two teams this season. Texas had previously defeated N.C. State 102-97 on November 26 in the Maui Invitational. The Tuesday night game was characterized by a stronger defensive focus from both teams compared to their previous encounter.
Dailyn Swain, who played for Xavier under coach Sean Miller in the previous year's First Four, transferred to Texas. Coach Miller has now guided three different institutions to the NCAA Tournament.
Upcoming Matchup
As the No. 11 seed in the West region, Texas (19-14) will advance to play sixth-seeded BYU on Thursday night in Portland, Oregon.