Texas Longhorns Survive First Four Thriller Against NC State

Tramon Mark's clutch shots lift Texas to 68-66 win over NC State in NCAA Tournament opener

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:51am

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The Texas Longhorns survived a nail-biter against the NC State Wolfpack, winning 68-66 in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Sean Miller praised his team's resilience and defensive effort, which helped them advance despite an uneven offensive performance. Tramon Mark hit two crucial shots late to secure the victory for Texas.

Why it matters

This win keeps Texas' NCAA Tournament hopes alive as they look to make a deep run. The Longhorns had some tough losses late in the regular season, but regrouped to play tough defense and make the necessary plays to survive and advance. The experience of playing in a close, high-stakes tournament game could also benefit Texas as they move forward.

The details

Texas struggled offensively for much of the game, but their defense held NC State in check for most of the night, limiting the Wolfpack's three-point shooting. Tramon Mark hit two big shots in the final minute to lift the Longhorns to victory. Coach Sean Miller credited the team's resilience and togetherness for helping them get the win despite not playing their best game.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who praised his team's defensive effort and resilience in the win over NC State.

Tramon Mark

The Texas guard who hit two crucial shots in the final minute to secure the 68-66 victory over NC State.

Chendall Weaver

The Texas forward who had a double-double and provided a spark off the bench with his rebounding and defense.

Dailyn Swanson

The Texas guard who has carried the team for much of the season, though he did not have his best game against NC State.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that we were able to do it, I'm happy for our team, program, university. I'm happy for our conference, the SEC. You're in a game like tonight, you call on all of the experiences of the last couple of months, and there's not one experience that's easy in the SEC.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“Tramon Mark made two incredible shots. If he didn't make either of those, one of them, I don't know if we win.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

Texas will now travel to Portland, Oregon to face BYU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This hard-fought win shows the Longhorns' resilience and ability to grind out a victory when their offense is not clicking. The experience of playing in a close, high-pressure tournament game could pay dividends as Texas looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.