Tramon Mark's Last-Second Heroics Propel Texas to Victory in Thrilling March Madness Opener

The Dramatic March Madness Kickoff

March Madness has a knack for delivering heart-stopping moments, and this year was no exception. In the First Four matchup on March 17, 2026, between Texas and NC State, we witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions that ended with a sublime moment of brilliance. With only 1.1 seconds left on the clock, senior guard Tramon Mark hit a game-winning jumper, sealing a 68-66 victory and keeping Texas' tournament hopes alive.

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TEXAS GOES BACK IN FRONT 😱 #MarchMadness

Texas Almost Lost it All

It's essential to note that Texas appeared in command for a significant portion of the game. At 62-53 with under two minutes left, they seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable win. However, moments of mental lapses crept in. NC State's dormant offense awakened, and they launched into a formidable comeback, scoring four three-pointers in quick succession. Battling NC State's relentless full-court press, Texas' composure began to wane, and turnovers began to plague the Longhorns in a crucial period.

A Tale of Two Halves

This game was a stark contrast to their earlier encounter at the Maui Invitational in November, where Texas triumphed in a high-scoring affair, 102-97. The rematch was more about grit than glitz, with both teams struggling to break 40% shooting. It was chaotic, frustrating, and emblematic of what March Madness stands for: an unpredictability that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Highlighting Star Performances

Mark's contribution was pivotal, not just in the final moments. Earlier in the game, he demonstrated the finesse and skill that the Longhorns needed, hitting a difficult turnaround jumper that expanded their lead to four points. His clutch shooting wasn't planned; it was fueled by the urgency of the moment. The pressure may have transformed into his very own spotlight.

Mark drilled an arguably tougher, turnaround foul-line shot, and it was both inspiring and necessary. Unfortunately for Texas, the team's leads and turnovers contributed to an unease that nearly cost them the game.

Critical Misses at the Free-Throw Line

As NC State rallied, the tension mounted. In the final seconds, Tre Holloman was fouled while driving to the basket but missed his first free throw after hitting five earlier in the game. This glaring error became emblematic of how the game slid from Texas' grasp. The score remained tied until the fateful final milliseconds when Mark stepped back and released a shot that would echo throughout March Madness.

The Road Ahead for Texas

Despite the near-collapse, the win keeps Texas' season alive as they prepare to face the No. 6 seed BYU in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon. A tough matchup awaits with BYU's star player, A.J. Dybantsa, leading the charge. Coach Sean Miller knows better than anyone that survival in this tournament is a mix of strategy, psychology, and sheer willpower.

Conclusion: The Essence of March Madness

This game encapsulates every reason why fans flock to March Madness. It's a blend of skill, nerve, and spontaneous moments that define basketball's most exhilarating event. As we continue to watch this tournament unfold, I look forward to sharing more drama and breakdowns, propelled by the magic of the game.