The Texas Longhorns and the North Carolina State Wolfpack will face off in a First Four matchup on Tuesday night, with the winner earning the 11th seed and a game against sixth-seeded BYU on Thursday. Both teams enter the contest on losing streaks. Texas has lost five of its last six games after a 76-66 loss to Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament, while NC State has dropped five of six following an 81-74 defeat to Virginia in the ACC Tournament. Texas finished 10th in the SEC with an 18-14 record, and NC State tied for seventh in the ACC with a 20-13 record.
First Four Clash Set for Dayton
The game is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. ET from UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Historically, Texas has had the upper hand in the series, leading 4-2, including a 102-97 victory over NC State on November 26. Currently, Texas is favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under for total points scored is set at 158.5.
The SportsLine Projection Model has simulated this game 10,000 times, and is predicting the total points scored will be over 158.5. The Over has occurred in the last meeting between the two teams, as well as in 7 of the last 10 Texas games and all 5 of the last five NC State games.
Model Projects High-Scoring Affair
The model projects four Longhorns players to score 14.8 points or more, led by Dailyn Swain with a projected 17.7 points. For NC State, five players are projected to score 10.5 points or more, with Quadir Copeland leading the way at 15.1 points. The model’s simulations project a combined total of 161 points, suggesting the Over will hit in over 50% of simulations.
The SportsLine Projection Model also indicates that one side of the spread is likely to hit in nearly 60% of simulations, though specific details are available only at SportsLine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Texas vs. NC State game start?
The game is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17, from UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
What is the current spread for the game?
Texas is a 1.5-point favorite over NC State.
What is the over/under for total points scored?
The over/under for total points scored is 158.5.
As both teams look to advance in the tournament, will either team be able to overcome their recent struggles and secure a spot in the first round?
