Tramon Mark’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Texas Past NC State in NCAA First Four
DAYTON, Ohio – A last-second fadeaway jumper from Tramon Mark propelled Texas into the NCAA Tournament proper, securing a 68-66 victory over NC State in a tense First Four matchup night. The game, a clash of power-conference teams both struggling to find their footing as March Madness began, ultimately came down to Mark’s clutch shooting, his fourth career game-winner in the final five seconds.
Mark finished with a team-high 17 points, providing a critical spark for a Longhorns team that had lost five of their previous six games entering the tournament. The win advances Texas (19-14) to the West Region as an No. 11 seed, where they will face sixth-seeded BYU night in Portland, Oregon. For NC State (20-14), the defeat marks a disappointing complete to a season that also saw them stumble down the stretch, losing five of their last six contests.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, punctuated by late-game drama. After building a seemingly comfortable 62-53 lead with just under three minutes remaining, thanks to two free throws from Chendall Weaver, Texas found themselves in a tight battle as NC State mounted a furious rally. Paul McNeil Jr. Ignited the comeback with a pair of crucial three-pointers, and Darrion Williams later connected from deep to bring the Wolfpack within one point.
The Wolfpack’s surge was fueled by defensive pressure, forcing a turnover from Dailyn Swain that led to a game-tying free throw from Tre Holloman. With the score knotted at 66-66, the stage was set for Mark’s heroics. Texas managed to run down the clock, leaving just 1.1 seconds for a final play. Mark, receiving the inbound pass, created just enough space to launch a fadeaway jumper from just inside the three-point line, sending the Longhorns forward.
Beyond Mark’s game-winning shot, Texas received solid contributions from Matas Vokietaitis, who scored 15 points, and Swain, who added 13. Weaver also had a standout performance, recording his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Longhorns’ victory wasn’t simply about individual performances. it was a testament to their resilience in a high-pressure situation.
For NC State, Darrion Williams led the way with 21 points, while Quadir Copeland chipped in with 16 and McNeil finished with 11. Despite a valiant effort, the Wolfpack couldn’t overcome Mark’s late-game brilliance and the Longhorns’ ability to execute when it mattered most. The loss is particularly stinging for NC State, who had hoped to make a deep run in the tournament after a promising start to the season.
This was the second meeting between Texas and NC State this season. The Longhorns previously defeated the Wolfpack 102-97 on during the Maui Invitational, claiming fifth place in that tournament. While the earlier matchup was a high-scoring affair, Tuesday night’s contest was a more defensive struggle, highlighting the contrasting styles of both teams.
The first half saw Texas build an early 25-15 lead, but a late scoring drought allowed NC State to close the gap. The Wolfpack finished the half on a 14-5 run, cutting the deficit to 30-29 at halftime. This momentum carried over into the second half, setting the stage for a closely contested final 20 minutes.
The First Four games, often overlooked, have become a crucial part of the NCAA Tournament landscape, providing opportunities for teams on the bubble to prove their worth. For Texas, this win is more than just a ticket to the round of 64; it’s a chance to build momentum and make a statement in a tournament filled with parity. The Longhorns will need to carry the energy and execution from this game into their matchup against BYU, a team known for its offensive firepower.
NC State, meanwhile, will be left to ponder what could have been. Despite a strong regular season, their late-season struggles and inability to close out games ultimately proved costly. The Wolfpack’s tournament run was short-lived, but their performance throughout the season suggests they have the potential to be a contender in the years to approach.
The outcome of this game underscores the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Even teams that have struggled during the regular season can find success in the tournament, and every possession matters. Texas’s victory serves as a reminder that in college basketball, anything can happen, and the road to the Final Four is rarely straightforward.