Texas Longhorns Face NC State in NCAA First Four Showdown in Dayton

DAYTON, Ohio — The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team tips off tonight in the NCAA Tournament First Four against NC State at University of Dayton Arena. As the No. 11 seed with an 18-14 record (9-9 SEC), the Horns battle the Wolfpack (20-13, 10-8 ACC) with the winner advancing to the Round of 64. Tip-off is approximately 8:10 p.m. Central (9:10 p.m. Eastern) on truTV, featuring analysts Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale.

Under first-year head coach Sean Miller, Texas boasts one of the nation’s most efficient offenses, ranking 13th in KenPom offensive efficiency (125.0) while averaging 83.8 points per game—the highest since 1994-95—and shooting 48.6% from the field. The Longhorns are making their sixth consecutive NCAA appearance (longest streak since 1999-2012) and 40th overall, one of just seven programs with at least 24 bids in the last 27 seasons.

“University of Texas junior guard/forward Dailyn Swain and sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis have earned spots on the 2026 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Gulf District Teams, the NABC announced Tuesday morning. Swain earned a spot on the 10-person first team, while Vokietaitis garnered mention on the 10-person second team.”

Leading the charge is junior G/F Dailyn Swain, SEC Newcomer of the Year and Julius Erving Award finalist. Swain dominates with 17.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, and 1.7 spg while shooting 55.1% from the field. Sophomore center Matas Vokietaitis anchors the paint at 15.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg, ranking among national leaders in free-throw rate. Veteran guards Jordan Pope (13.3 ppg) and Tramon Mark (13.5 ppg) provide perimeter scoring and experience.

Notably, senior guard Chendall Weaver delivers veteran leadership off the bench in his final season. The 6-3 Arlington native averages 5.7 ppg and 4.1 rpg (fourth on the team) across 21.1 minutes, while posting 25 steals (third on the squad). Weaver has appeared in 118 career games and erupted for 17 points with eight rebounds in Texas’ 102-97 win over NC State earlier this season in Maui.

Texas holds a 4-2 all-time series edge, including victories in both recent neutral-site meetings. With a +7.4 rebounding margin and efficient attack, the Longhorns aim to advance and extend their March Madness run.