Texas vs North Carolina State

What a thriller in the First Four! Texas and NC State traded blows in a back-and-forth battle at the University of Dayton Arena. The Longhorns built their largest lead at 10 points behind three separate scoring runs, including a devastating 9-2 stretch that pushed them ahead 41-34. But the Wolfpack refused to quit, staying within striking distance as four lead changes kept this one on a knife's edge. The final minute was pure March madness chaos. Tramon Mark buried a clutch jumper to give Texas a 66-62 cushion with 38 seconds left. NC State answered immediately—Darrion Williams draining a three from 23 feet with Tre Holloman's assist to tie it at 65. Holloman converted two free throws to put the Wolfpack up 66-65, but Mark had the last laugh, nailing another dagger from 19 feet with just one second remaining. Texas escaped with a 68-66 nail-biter to advance.