Texas Lights Up Sweet 16 With Thrilling NC State Clash!
DAYTON, OHIO - MARCH 17: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns dribbles against Paul McNeil #2 of the NC State Wolfpack during the first half in the First Four game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 17, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Longhorns nearly blew it, but Texas beat NC State 68-66 Tuesday night in the First Four and will play BYU Thursday. Texas led 62-53 with under two minutes left, but NC State tied the game with under 20 seconds to go before Texas made the game-winning shot with 1.
1 seconds remaining to seal the win. This was supposed to be a high-scoring affair between two teams who are potent on offense and struggle on defense, but neither offense could get going. Both teams shot under 40%, but Texas’ 15-7 advantage on the offensive glass was a difference.
Texas shot 5-17 from three, and were able to draw fouls and finished 21-29 from the foul line. Texas leading scorer Dailyn Swain struggled with 2-9 shooting and 5 turnovers, but was 8-9 from the foul line and finished with 13 points. 7-foot starting Center Matas Vokeietaitis scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, including 4 offensive.
BYU-Texas will play Thursday at 4:25 PT on TBS.