Full Breakdown
Tramon Mark's Last-Second Jumper Propels Texas Past NC State in NCAA First Four
3/19/2026, 4:18:13 PM
Dramatic Finish in Dayton
In a thrilling NCAA Tournament First Four matchup, the Texas Longhorns edged out the NC State Wolfpack 68-66, thanks to a clutch fadeaway jumper by Tramon Mark with just 1.1 seconds remaining. The victory allows Texas, the No. 11 seed in the West region, to advance to the first round against the sixth-seeded BYU Cougars on Thursday in Portland, Oregon.
The game unfolded with both teams struggling to maintain leads. Texas initially built a 25-15 advantage but went scoreless for the final 4:06 of the first half, allowing NC State to close the gap to 30-29 at halftime. The Wolfpack, who also entered the tournament with a shaky record, rallied late in the game, tying the score at 66 with 18 seconds left after a series of three-pointers.
Key Performers
Tramon Mark led the Longhorns with 17 points, including crucial baskets in the final moments. Matas Vokietaitis contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, while Chendall Weaver recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. For NC State, Darrion Williams was the standout performer, scoring 21 points in his final collegiate game.
Mark's game-winning shot marked his fifth career game-winner, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. "I got a great look," Mark stated after the game. "I looked at the clock, and I just sized them up and got a great look at the rim."
Defensive Struggles and Rebounding
Despite the offensive fireworks, both teams faced challenges throughout the game. Texas shot only 36.8% from the field, while NC State managed 39%. The Longhorns, however, excelled in rebounding, outpacing the Wolfpack 45-33, which included a significant 15-7 advantage on the offensive glass. This dominance on the boards was pivotal in securing the win.
Texas coach Sean Miller emphasized the importance of defense, noting that the team had to focus on limiting NC State's three-point shooting. "When you play NC State, you have to defend the three-point shot," Miller remarked. "For the other 38 minutes, we really probably did as good of a job in that area as maybe anyone has."
Looking Ahead: Texas vs. BYU
As Texas prepares for its next challenge against BYU, the Longhorns will need to build on their momentum from this victory. The Cougars, led by star freshman AJ Dybantsa, present a formidable challenge, especially given their recent success in the Big 12 tournament. Texas will need to address its late-game execution issues to avoid a repeat of the close finish against NC State.
The matchup is set for Thursday, March 19, at 6:25 PM Central Time, and will be broadcast on TBS. With both teams eager to advance, fans can expect another tightly contested game in the high-stakes environment of March Madness.
