Mark’s Buzzer Beater Lifts Texas Past NC State in First Four Thriller

For much of Tuesday night’s First Four matchup, Texas appeared firmly in control against NC State, showcasing poise and execution befitting a team eager to prove it belonged in the NCAA tournament field. The Longhorns dictated tempo early and built what seemed to be a comfortable cushion late in the game.

But March basketball rarely follows a script. As the final minutes ticked away, NC State surged back behind defensive pressure and timely scoring, turning what looked like a routine finish into a tense, back-and-forth battle. The Wolfpack capitalized on turnovers and chipped away at the deficit with urgency.

The comeback reached its peak when a clutch free throw tied the game in the closing seconds, seemingly shifting momentum entirely in NC State’s favor. With the Longhorns reeling, overtime appeared inevitable, and the Wolfpack looked poised to complete a remarkable rally.

Instead, Texas found a final answer. With the clock nearly expired, Tramon Mark delivered a decisive shot that flipped the narrative once more, sealing a narrow 68–66 victory and sending the Longhorns into the Round of 64.

1. Texas Builds Lead, Then Falters Late

Texas controlled large stretches of the contest, relying on balanced scoring and steady defense to establish an advantage. The Longhorns executed well in the half court and limited NC State’s offensive rhythm during key portions of the game. Their efforts paid off late, as Texas built a nine-point lead with under three minutes remaining. At that point, the Longhorns appeared to have done enough to close out the game and avoid the volatility that often defines First Four matchups. However, the closing stretch exposed vulnerabilities. NC State ramped up its defensive pressure, forcing Texas into uncomfortable situations and rushed decisions. The Longhorns struggled to break the press, leading to a string of costly turnovers. Those mistakes quickly erased the lead. What had been a controlled performance turned into a scramble, as Texas lost its composure and allowed NC State to claw all the way back into contention.

2. NC State’s Rally Falls Just Short

NC State’s late-game push was fueled by resilience and opportunistic play. The Wolfpack capitalized on Texas’ miscues, converting turnovers into points and steadily shrinking the deficit. Darrion Williams led all scorers with 21 points, providing a consistent offensive presence throughout the game. His ability to create scoring opportunities kept NC State within striking distance even when Texas held the upper hand. Quadir Copeland added 16 points and contributed on the glass, helping to sustain the Wolfpack’s momentum during their late surge. His energy and physicality were instrumental in shifting the tone during the final minutes. The comeback culminated in a game-tying free throw that brought NC State level in the closing seconds. Yet despite the dramatic rally, the Wolfpack once again found themselves unable to finish, a pattern that had plagued them in close games throughout the season.

3. Mark Delivers in the Clutch

With the game tied and overtime looming, Texas turned to its veteran guard for one final possession. Tramon Mark, who had already been a steady offensive contributor throughout the night, rose to the moment when it mattered most. Mark knocked down a contested jump shot with just one second remaining, his second difficult basket in the closing stretch. The shot not only secured the win but also underscored his reputation as a reliable closer, marking the fifth game-winning basket of his career. He finished with 17 points on efficient shooting, leading Texas offensively. Dailyn Swain added 13 points despite struggling from the field, while Chendall Weaver recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. The victory sends Texas forward to face BYU in the Round of 64, where the Longhorns will look to clean up late-game execution issues. Despite the near collapse, the resilience shown in the final moment offers a reminder of their potential as the tournament continues.