Dreams Dashed: Longhorns Survive Wolfpack's Fury in First...

The University of Texas Longhorns are still in the NCAA Tournament, but they won't be making it easy on themselves. Texas has been struggling for weeks, mired in a 19-14 record. Suddenly, they've got a new life line, and a new hero.

Tramon Mark, the Unlikely Hero

Tramon Mark is a name that will be etched in Texas basketball history. With 1.2 seconds left in the game, Mark drained a fadeaway jumper from just inside the 3-point line, lifting the Longhorns to a 68-66 victory over NC State in the NCAA Tournament's First Four. That shot was the culmination of a season of perseverance and a testament to the Longhorns' resilience. Mark, the 2024-2025 Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year, had a breakout season. But his performance against NC State was next level. He scored 17 points, including the game-winner, and made a total of 7-of-12 shots. Mark has been a force on the court, and his ability to shine under pressure is a testament to his character as a player.

NC State's Agonizing Loss

The NC State Wolfpack put up a valiant effort, but they'll be heading home after a heartbreaking loss. The Wolfpack, who had been on a roll in the ACC, were unable to hold off the Longhorns. NC State looked like they had the game in the bag, leading by 5 points with 2 minutes and 40 seconds remaining in the second half. But a clutch 3-pointer by Darrion Williams kept the Longhorns in the game. Then a 19-1 run propelled them to a 68-66 victory. NC State's D.J. Burns Jr. led his team with 15 points and 7 rebounds. But it wasn't enough to overcome Texas’ late-game surge.

What Next for Texas?

Texas now moves on to face off against the winner of the Utah vs. Iona game. The Longhorns are a team that is unpredictable, and that unpredictability might be their best asset in the tournament. They've proven they can rise to the challenge, even against the odds. The Longhorns have also shown they can be resilient. Texas looks to be a team that is ready to fight from the first game to the last. They may be 19-14 and have lost 5 of 6 games, but there's no question they have the potential for a deep run in the tournament. As the game wrapped up, Mark's shot was the difference-maker. Texas' victory over NC State was a testament to their resilience, and their performance has sparked an added excitement in the NCAA Tournament. Now, you might be asking, Can the Texas Longhorns break the power conference's curse and go all the way to the Final Four?