A season that began with high hopes has brought NC State back to a familiar place: the 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament. But this time, there's a twist-they'll need to win a play-in game in Dayton to secure their spot in the main bracket.
It's a do-or-die matchup against the Texas Longhorns, with the winner moving on to face BYU. For a team that thrives on being the underdog, this could be the spark for another magical March or the end of a season that didn’t quite meet expectations.
The Late-Season Struggles
Under first-year head coach Will Wade, NC State was rolling in early February, looking like a top-four ACC team. They had impressive wins over Clemson, UNC, and SMU, with key players like Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin leading the charge. Sitting at 10-7 in the ACC, they were eyeing a top-four finish.
Then things took a turn. NC State lost six of their last seven regular-season games, including a shocking defeat to Georgia Tech and a 40+ point blowout at Louisville.
Their defensive struggles and inability to close games were glaring. “We had opportunities, but we didn’t execute down the stretch,” Wade commented after a close loss to Stanford.
The slide left them with a 10-8 ACC record and the No. 7 seed in the conference tournament. A gritty win over Pitt offered hope, but a loss to Virginia sealed their fate.
Once projected as a solid 10 seed, they found themselves in the First Four. It’s reminiscent of 2024 when they made a Cinderella run to the Final Four.
Can lightning strike twice?
The Maui Rematch
Adding intrigue to the play-in game is a rematch with Texas, who they faced earlier this season in the Maui Invitational. That game was a high-scoring thriller, with Texas edging out a 102-97 victory. NC State, then ranked No. 23, nearly staged a comeback but faltered late.
The game was competitive from the start, but Texas pulled ahead with a 20-7 run. NC State fought back, tying the game in the second half, but Texas, led by Jordan Pope’s 28 points, held firm. Texas’s 50% shooting from three and dominance in transition were too much for NC State, despite strong performances from Copeland, Lubin, and McNeil.
Looking Ahead: A Battle of Redemption
Both teams enter this matchup seeking redemption after late-season struggles. Texas, under Sean Miller, finished 18-14 overall and 9-9 in the SEC.
They, too, stumbled late, losing four of their last five games. Their season included a notable win over South Carolina but lacked consistency.
This rematch could hinge on perimeter defense and transition play. Texas remains a threat from deep, with Pope leading the charge.
If NC State can’t tighten up their defense, they might find themselves in trouble. However, their recent performances in the ACC Tournament show promise.
Expect another close, high-scoring game. NC State is slightly favored, fueled by their recent grit and the memory of their 2024 run.
“We’re no strangers to being counted out,” Copeland said. “This is just another chance to prove it.”
For Texas, it’s about turning around a frustrating season.
If NC State advances, they’ll face BYU-a team known for strong guard play and up-tempo basketball. But first, they need to overcome the challenge of Texas.
In a tournament full of surprises, don’t count out NC State’s 11-seed magic. Their journey could be just beginning-or ending-in Portland.