Key moments
In a significant development for Texas basketball, the Texas Longhorns, seeded No. 11, are set to face NC State in the NCAA Tournament First Four on March 17, 2026. The game will take place at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for approximately 8:10 p.m. Central time. This matchup marks an important moment for Texas as they seek to advance in the tournament.
Texas enters the tournament following a challenging stretch, having dropped five of their last six games. Despite this recent downturn, the Longhorns have a strong overall record, with 18 wins this season and six quad-one victories. Historically, Texas has made 40 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and this marks their sixth consecutive trip, showcasing their consistent presence in college basketball’s premier event.
In their previous encounter this season, Texas triumphed over NC State with a high-scoring 102-97 victory during the Maui Classic. This win gives Texas a slight edge in their all-time series against NC State, leading 4-2. Both teams are 11-seeds in the tournament, adding an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash.
Texas coach Sean Miller expressed hope that the NCAA Tournament could serve as a much-needed revitalization for a team that has struggled recently. “The NCAA Tournament provides a breath of fresh air for a squad that’s gone stale over the past month,” Miller stated, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity for his players.
The winner of the Texas vs. NC State game will advance to face sixth-seed BYU in the First Round, which adds further stakes to this already critical matchup. This will be the seventh meeting between the two programs, and the second this season, heightening the anticipation among fans and players alike.
Texas has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with 24 appearances in the last 27 seasons, underscoring their competitive nature in college basketball. The Longhorns will look to leverage their experience and past successes as they prepare for this pivotal game against NC State.
As the tournament approaches, reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed, with many expressing optimism about Texas’s potential to make a deep run. However, the pressure is on, and the Longhorns must perform at their best to advance beyond the First Four.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup or strategy, but Texas is focused on the task at hand. With a storied history and a talented roster, the Longhorns aim to turn their fortunes around in this crucial NCAA Tournament matchup.
