Graduate guard delivers clutch jumper with 1 second left as Texas survives late rally and advances in March Madness
The NCAA Tournament produced a dramatic finish as Texas secured a 68-66 victory over NC State in the First Four matchup. The game was decided in the final second when Tramon Mark hit a difficult fadeaway jumper, sending the Longhorns into the main tournament bracket.
Texas had built a strong lead earlier in the game, but NC State fought back late to tie the contest. Just when overtime seemed likely, Mark stepped up with a calm and confident shot that sealed the win and kept Texas’ season alive.
How the Game Unfolded
Texas started the game with better control and built an early lead. However, the match quickly turned into a tense defensive battle, with both teams struggling to maintain scoring momentum.
The Longhorns managed to create separation in the final minutes before the Wolfpack launched a quick comeback with multiple three-pointers. The game eventually came down to the final possession.
Key Moments Timeline
| Time / Moment | Event |
|---|---|
| First Half | Texas takes early lead and controls pace |
| Late First Half | NC State cuts deficit to 30-29 before halftime |
| Final Minutes | Texas leads 62-53 with under 3 minutes left |
| Late Comeback | NC State scores rapidly with multiple three-pointers |
| Final Seconds | Game tied 66-66 |
| 1.1 Seconds Left | Tramon Mark hits game-winning fadeaway jumper |
Mark’s shot from just inside the three-point line gave Texas the lead with 1.1 seconds remaining, leaving NC State no time to respond.
Tramon Mark Leads Texas with Clutch Performance
The standout performer of the night was Tramon Mark, who finished with 17 points and delivered the most important basket of the game.
Mark stayed calm during the tense final moments and converted a tough contested shot to silence the crowd.
He also contributed crucial scoring late in the game when Texas needed a steady hand to regain control.
Texas Top Performers
| Player | Points | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Tramon Mark | 17 | Game-winning jumper |
| Matas Vokietaitis | 15 | Strong interior scoring |
| Dailyn Swain | 13 | Playmaking and scoring |
| Chendall Weaver | 11 | Double-double with rebounds |
Weaver also made a big impact on the boards, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds, giving Texas important second-chance opportunities.
NC State’s Fightback Falls Just Short
NC State showed impressive resilience in the closing minutes. The Wolfpack erased most of Texas’ lead with a quick scoring burst and had a chance to push the game into overtime.
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NC State Top Performers
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Darrion Williams | 21 |
| Quadir Copeland | 16 |
| Paul McNeill Jr. | 11 |
Williams led all scorers with 21 points, while Copeland added strong offensive support.
Despite their late push, the Wolfpack could not stop Mark’s final shot, which ended their tournament hopes.
Defensive Battle Defined the Game
Unlike many high-scoring tournament games, this matchup turned into a physical defensive contest.
Both teams struggled with shooting efficiency at times, and turnovers played a role in the momentum swings during the second half.
Texas briefly went scoreless for over four minutes late in the first half, allowing NC State to close the gap before halftime.
The second half remained tight, with neither team able to fully control the tempo until the final seconds.
Texas Advances to Face BYU
With the victory, Texas moves into the West Region bracket as the No. 11 seed and will now prepare to face No. 6 seed BYU in the next round.
The upcoming game will present a much tougher challenge, as BYU features one of the tournament’s most talented players in AJ Dybantsa.
Texas will need another strong performance from Mark and the rest of the squad to continue their tournament run.
Match Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NCAA Tournament – First Four |
| Venue | UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio |
| Result | Texas 68 – NC State 66 |
| Game Winner | Tramon Mark (fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds left) |
| Texas Record | 19-14 |
| NC State Record | 20-14 |
Texas entered the tournament after losing five of its previous six games, creating uncertainty around their momentum. This dramatic victory could provide a major confidence boost heading into the next round.
The team showed resilience under pressure and relied on clutch shot-making to secure the win.
If Texas continues to get balanced scoring and strong defense, the Longhorns could become a dangerous team as the tournament progresses.
FAQs
Who hit the game-winning shot for Texas?
Tramon Mark scored the winning basket with a fadeaway jumper from inside the three-point line with 1.1 seconds left.
What was the final score of Texas vs NC State?
Texas defeated NC State 68-66 in the NCAA Tournament First Four matchup.
Who was the top scorer in the game?
NC State’s Darrion Williams led all players with 21 points, while Tramon Mark led Texas with 17 points.
What happens next for Texas?
Texas advances to face BYU in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
Where was the game played?
The game took place at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
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