NC State’s Season Ends in Heartbreaking Last Second 68-66 Loss to Texas in First Four

NC State’s 2025-26 season came to a close in gut-punch fashion, falling 68-66 to Texas in a First Four matchup in Dayton.

The Wolfpack spent most of the night chasing, with Texas controlling the game for 88% of the contest, but NC State made one final, furious push that nearly flipped the script.

With 1:42 remaining, the Pack trailed by 8 points and had just a 6.3% chance to win. Then came a spark.

Paul McNeil Jr., who had struggled all night, suddenly caught fire, drilling back-to-back threes to cut the deficit to two with 1:06 left, swinging momentum and boosting NC State’s win probability to nearly 29%.

After Texas answered, Darrion Williams responded with a clutch three of his own, trimming the lead to one with 30 seconds remaining.

Then came the moment.

NC State’s pressure forced a turnover, and Tre Holloman stepped to the line with 18 seconds left and a chance to give the Pack the lead. He split the free throws, tying the game at 66.

And just like that… it slipped away.

Texas’ Tramon Mark delivered the dagger, hitting a tough shot with 1 second remaining to seal the game and end NC State’s season.

A Late Push… But Too Much Ground to Make Up

Despite the final push, the numbers tell the story of a team constantly playing uphill.

NC State actually:

• Shot 2% better from the field
• Made more three-pointers
• Committed just 7 turnovers

But two areas proved fatal:

• 15 offensive rebounds allowed (8 more than NC State)
• 7 more made free throws by Texas

Those extra possessions and points built a cushion the Pack ultimately couldn’t overcome.

Stars Showed Up… But Not Consistently

If you saw the box score before tip, you’d think NC State walked out of Dayton with a win.

• Darrion Williams: 21 points
• Quadir Copeland: 16 points

But the rhythm wasn’t there throughout.

Both players had stretches of inefficiency that kept NC State in comeback mode all night, never quite able to grab control.

Meanwhile, Ven-Allen Lubin fouling out with just 6 points and 5 rebounds left the Wolfpack vulnerable inside, where Texas capitalized.

A Season That Slipped Late

The ending felt… familiar.

After opening ACC play at 9-2, NC State stumbled down the stretch:

• Lost 6 of their final 7 regular season games
• Finished 2-7 in their last 9 overall

The inconsistency that crept in late ultimately followed them into March.

The Bigger Picture

When Will Wade arrived, he set clear expectations:

• Finish in the top half of the ACC
• Make the NCAA Tournament

Technically, both boxes were checked.

But seasons aren’t remembered by technicalities.

They’re remembered by how they feel.

And this one ends with a lingering sense of what could have been.

What’s Next

Now, the page turns.

For the first time since arriving, Wade will have a full offseason runway to shape the roster, evaluate needs, and build something more sustainable.

The question now becomes…what does the next version of this team look like?

Box Score