N.C. State looks for payback in First Four matchup with Texas

The Wolfpack and Longhorns meet in a rematch of their November clash at the Southwest Maui Invitational.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:33am

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March Madness tips off with the First Four, and Tuesday's late game features a rematch between N.C. State and Texas. N.C. State (20-13) lost to the Longhorns 102-97 on Nov. 26 at the Southwest Maui Invitational, and the Wolfpack will be looking for payback. Both teams have struggled down the stretch, with N.C. State going 3-7 in their last 10 games and Texas going 5-5.

Why it matters

This First Four matchup between N.C. State and Texas is an intriguing rematch from earlier in the season, with both teams looking to gain momentum heading into the main NCAA Tournament bracket. The winner will advance to face the #1 seed in the Midwest Region.

The details

In the November meeting, Quadir Copeland led N.C. State with 28 points and 6 assists, while Jordan Pope matched him with 28 points for Texas. The Longhorns shot five more free throws and made eight more than the Wolfpack in that game. Statistically, the teams are very similar, both averaging around 84 points per game and outscoring opponents by about 7 points per contest.

  • The teams first met on November 26, 2025 at the Southwest Maui Invitational, where Texas defeated N.C. State 102-97.
  • The rematch will take place on March 18, 2026 in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Quadir Copeland

The leading scorer for N.C. State in the previous matchup against Texas, pouring in 28 points and dishing out 6 assists.

Jordan Pope

Matched Copeland's 28 points for Texas in the November meeting between these two teams.

Will Wade

The head coach of the N.C. State Wolfpack, looking to lead his team to victory and advance in the NCAA Tournament.

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What’s next

The winner of the N.C. State vs. Texas First Four matchup will advance to face the #1 seed in the Midwest Region of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This First Four clash is a chance for N.C. State to avenge their earlier loss to Texas and gain momentum heading into the main NCAA Tournament bracket. Both teams have struggled down the stretch, making this an intriguing matchup between two squads looking to turn things around and make a deep run in March Madness.