The University of Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team had an anxious Selection Sunday before hearing its name called as the next-to-last team in the field (SMU was the last at-large).
That means the Longhorns are headed to Dayton on Tuesday, March 17, for a First Four matchup that will kick off March Madness, against North Carolina State of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The winner will play BYU Thursday, March 19, when the full field enters the draw.
Texas Longhorns men’s basketball vs. North Carolina State in March Madness
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team takes on North Carolina State in a First Four game in Dayton, Ohio. The 7:15 p.m. MT/8:15 p.m. (estimated) tip will be aired on truTV. The teams are playing for a No. 11 seed, and the winner will face No. 6 BYU on Thursday in the West Regional.
How to watch Texas men’s basketball vs. NC State in the First Four
The Texas vs. North Carolina State First Four game will begin 30 minutes after the game before it, the 4:40 p.m. tip between UMBC and Howard. That’s estimated to be 7:15 p.m. MT/8:15 p.m. CT. The game, as well as the entirety of the First Four, will air on truTV.
Who does the winner of Texas-NC State play?
The winner of the Texas vs. NC State game will receive a No. 11 seed in the West Regional. That game will be at 5:25 p.m. MT/6:25 p.m. CT on TBS. The game will be in Portland.
Texas men’s basketball record
The Texas Longhorns are 18-14.
North Carolina State men’s basketball record
The North Carolina State Wolfpack is 20-13.
Texas Longhorns vs. NC State Wolfpack odds
Odds from BetMGM.com: North Carolina State -1 1/2. Moneyline: NC State -125, Texas +105. Over/under 157 1/2.
Texas Longhorns men’s basketball vs. NC State Wolfpack predictions, picks
The Arizona Republic: Texas 83, NC State 79
Jeremy Cluff writes: “These teams were among the final teams in the field for a reason. They have flaws. This is a rematch of an early-season game won by Texas, 102-97. The Longhorns will win the rematch to earn the right to play BYU.”
Dimers: Texas 79, NC State 78
It writes: “After extensive simulations, our model gives Texas a win probability of 56%, while North Carolina State has a win probability of 44%.”
ESPN: NC State has a 50.2% chance to beat Texas
The site gives the Longhorns a 49.8% shot at defeating the Wolfpack in the NCAA Tournament March Madness First Four game.
Bookies.com: Bet NC State with the points vs Texas
Bill Speros writes: “Texas lost 5 of its final 6 games, including a first-round SEC Tournament exit to Ole Miss. The Horns are 0-6 as an 8-seed or worse since 2005. NC State’s elite offensive efficiency and tournament pedigree after their 2024 Final Four run give them the edge. Take the points in a close one here.”
ESPN: Pick Texas to win against NC State in NCAA brackets
Jay Bilas writes: “I like Texas to beat NC State because the Longhorns have size and good guards and wings.”
Sportsbook Wire: NC State 83, Texas 78
Daniel Dobish writes: “There is no reason to pay up to take NC State +1.5 (-125) catching the point and a half, unless you’re absolutely convinced Texas will win, but only by a single point. If you like the Wolfpack, just bet them straight up.”
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas Longhorns men’s basketball vs. NC State: TV, odds, predictions