How did Tramon Mark beat NC State?
Texas’ late dagger in the First Four
Texas survived a tense endgame to beat N.C. State 68-66, with Tramon Mark providing the decisive shot in the First Four.
Mark scored a fadeaway jumper from just inside the 3-point line with 1.1 seconds remaining, giving Texas a late lead after N.C. State threatened to take control in the final moments. The Longhorns then held on as the Wolfpack’s comeback fell just short.
What made the finish matter
- It capped a slim, high-pressure margin: The game was decided by only two points after long stretches that set up a one-possession closing sequence.
- It ended N.C. State’s season on a back-end failure to close: Texas’ winning shot came right as N.C. State had its rally underway, preventing any game-tying or game-winning shot attempt.
- It confirmed Texas’ ability to execute under time pressure: Mark’s move—shot selection from inside the arc and a quick release—was built for the clock rather than a set play.
Why it’s news beyond the scoreboard
First Four games often determine which teams advance into the field of 64, and this one did exactly that for Texas while stopping N.C. State’s tournament run. For N.C. State, the outcome also amplified criticism and questions around how the program managed the closing phases of the game. For Texas, Mark’s late conversion became the defining moment of their advancement.
Texas will now move on from the First Four with momentum from a win that hinged on a single shot at the buzzer.