“These teams were among the final teams in the field for a reason. They have flaws,” remarked Jeremy Cluff, highlighting the challenges both the Texas Longhorns and the North Carolina State Wolfpack face as they prepare for their matchup on March 17, 2026, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
The Longhorns enter the game with a record of 18-14, having recently suffered a disappointing 76-66 loss to Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack, boasting a slightly better record of 20-13, were eliminated from the ACC Tournament after falling to Virginia 81-74.
Both teams have struggled down the stretch, losing five of their last six games. Texas placed sixth in the SEC regular-season standings with a 9-9 record, while NC State finished tied for seventh in the ACC with Florida State at 10-8.
As the game approaches, NC State is favored by 1.5 points, with an over/under of 158.5 total points. This matchup is expected to be high-scoring, as both teams average over 83 points per game, ranking 26th and 27th in college basketball, respectively.
Analysts have differing opinions on the outcome. Jay Bilas expressed confidence in Texas, stating, “I like Texas to beat NC State because the Longhorns have size and good guards and wings.” In contrast, Bill Speros noted NC State’s strengths, citing their “elite offensive efficiency and tournament pedigree after their 2024 Final Four run” as key advantages.
The game is set to tip off at 9:15 p.m. ET, and both teams will be looking to regain momentum as they head into the tournament. With their recent performances, the stakes are high for both squads.
As the Longhorns and Wolfpack prepare for this critical matchup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which team can break their losing streak and advance in the tournament.
