Texas Longhorns Edge NC State Wolfpack in Close Matchup
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 9:29 PM ET · UD Arena
Texas Longhorns 68, NC State Wolfpack 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Texas Longhorns vs NC State Wolfpack?
Texas Longhorns beat NC State Wolfpack 68-66 at UD Arena on March 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Texas Longhorns vs NC State Wolfpack?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -120 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game, the Texas Longhorns narrowly defeated the NC State Wolfpack with a final score of 68-66. This matchup was significant as both teams were looking to improve their standings in the NCAAB landscape, each entering the game with similar records of 20-14 for NC State and 19-14 for Texas.
The NC State Wolfpack had struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, including a one-game losing streak leading into this matchup. Their scoring average during this stretch was 78.8 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 85.9 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, NC State had won only once, averaging 82.0 points scored while allowing 88.6 points. Their home record stood at 3-3 in the last ten games, while they had not won any of their last four games on the road.
Conversely, the Texas Longhorns had a more balanced recent performance, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games. However, they were also on a three-game losing streak leading into this game. Texas averaged 79.9 points scored and allowed 81.0 points during this period. They had a home record of 3-3 and an away record of 2-2 in their last ten games, showing some resilience in different environments.
Historically, this fixture had seen Texas come out on top in their previous two meetings against NC State. In their most recent encounter on November 27, 2025, Texas won 102-97, and they also defeated NC State 63-59 on December 5, 2024. This background added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup as NC State sought to break their losing streak against Texas.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors often play a critical role in the outcome of games, particularly in high-stakes matchups like this one.
The betting market reflected a close contest, with DraftKings listing NC State as a slight favorite with a spread of -1.5. The total points line was set at 157.5, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair. The moneyline showed NC State at -120.0 and Texas at +100.0, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the game.
Game conditions were not specified in the block, but the venue was UD Arena, a neutral site that often hosts tense matchups. The atmosphere in such venues can significantly impact player performance, especially in close games.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half where both teams exchanged leads. Key moments included Dailyn Swain making crucial free throws for Texas, and Paul McNeil Jr. hitting two significant three-pointers that brought NC State back into contention. However, it was Tramon Mark's jumper that ultimately sealed the victory for Texas, allowing them to maintain their winning streak against NC State.
Overall, this game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Texas managing to secure a hard-fought victory despite their recent struggles. The outcome may have implications for both teams as they look to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -1.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Texas Longhorns +100 · NC State Wolfpack -120 |
Leaders
- PointsDarrion Williams21NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsTre Holloman4NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsQuadir Copeland8NC State Wolfpack
- PointsTramon Mark17Texas Longhorns
- AssistsDailyn Swain4Texas Longhorns
- ReboundsChendall Weaver10Texas Longhorns
Recent form
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 3-7Streak L178.8 scored · 85.9 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L74-81at Virginia CavaliersMar 12
- W98-88vs Pittsburgh PanthersMar 11
- L84-85vs Stanford CardinalMar 7
- L64-93vs Duke Blue DevilsMar 3
- L90-96at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 28
- L61-90at Virginia CavaliersFeb 25
- W82-58vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 18
- L76-77vs Miami HurricanesFeb 14
- L77-118at Louisville CardinalsFeb 10
- W82-73vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 7
Texas Longhorns
Last 10: 5-5Streak L379.9 scored · 81 allowed per game2-2 away
- L66-76vs Ole Miss RebelsMar 11
- L85-88vs Oklahoma SoonersMar 8
- L85-105at Arkansas RazorbacksMar 5
- W76-70at Texas A&M AggiesFeb 28
- L71-84vs Florida GatorsFeb 26
- L80-91at Georgia BulldogsFeb 21
- W88-85vs LSU TigersFeb 18
- W85-68at Missouri TigersFeb 15
- W79-68vs Ole Miss RebelsFeb 7
- W84-75vs South Carolina GamecocksFeb 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Texas Longhorns | NC State Wolfpack |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-57 | 23-59 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 5-17 | 6-16 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 38 |
| Free throws | 21-29 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 26 |
| Assists | 10 | 10 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 88 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-34Dailyn Swain makes layup
- 2nd Half39-36Darrion Williams makes 18-foot jumper (Ven-Allen Lubin assists)
- 2nd Half41-36Matas Vokietaitis makes layup (Chendall Weaver assists)
- 2nd Half41-38Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half41-39Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-39Chendall Weaver makes layup
- 2nd Half43-41Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half44-41Tramon Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-41Matas Vokietaitis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-42Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-42Tramon Mark makes layup
- 2nd Half48-42Matas Vokietaitis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-42Matas Vokietaitis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-44Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half49-45Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-45Matas Vokietaitis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-46Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-47Tre Holloman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-49Quadir Copeland makes 1-foot dunk (Tre Holloman assists)
- 2nd Half52-49Nic Codie makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half52-51Darrion Williams makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-51Dailyn Swain makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-51Dailyn Swain makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-51Jordan Pope makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-52Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-53Tre Holloman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-53Chendall Weaver makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 2nd Half60-53Tramon Mark makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half61-53Chendall Weaver makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-53Chendall Weaver makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Tre Holloman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-56Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-56Dailyn Swain makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-56Dailyn Swain makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-59Paul McNeil Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-62Paul McNeil Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Tramon Mark makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-65Darrion Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Holloman assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Tre Holloman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-66Tramon Mark makes 19-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours NC State Wolfpack, below favours Texas Longhorns.
Venue
- UD ArenaDayton, OH
- Attendance11756
- OfficialsMichael Greenstein, Nate Harris, Marques Pettigrew
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