The First Four begins in Dayton with an exciting matchup in the opening round as the Texas Longhorns take on the NC State Wolfpack. Both teams started the season with high hopes, but come into the NCAA Tournament after struggling late in the year. Texas has lost five out of its last six games, while NC State has fallen in seven of its last nine.

Even with their recent struggles, both teams have a lot of offensive talent. They faced each other earlier this season in the Maui Invitational, where Texas won a high-scoring game 102–97. With defensive challenges on both sides and a lot of scoring ability on the court, our #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State picks can expect another fast-paced game in Dayton.

#11 Texas vs. #11 NC State Predictions for March Madness First Four, 3/17

The First Four matchup between Texas and NC State seems like a real toss-up. Both teams have comparable advanced metrics and have displayed moments of strong offense during the season. NC State comes into the game ranked No. 34 in KenPom and No. 36 in the NET rankings, while Texas is just behind at No. 37 in KenPom and No. 42 in NET.

While either team could move forward, choosing a side is difficult due to their inconsistent performance towards the end of the season. That’s why the betting value for #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State predictions is found elsewhere in this matchup.

#11 Texas vs. #11 NC State Best Bet: Over 158.5 (-115 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Rather than choosing a winner between two teams that have had recent difficulties, a more strategic betting approach looks at the total score. When these teams faced off earlier this year, they combined for a robust 199 points. Although achieving a score that high again is improbable, the factors that led to that high-scoring game are still very much present.

Look at NC State’s perimeter offense. The Wolfpack ranks among the top three-point shooting teams in the nation. This skill set aligns perfectly against Texas, which has struggled significantly in defending the three-point shot. Opponents are hitting about 36% of their shots from beyond the arc against the Longhorns, providing ample opportunity for NC State’s shooters to get into a rhythm.

Texas employs a very different offensive strategy, yet one that is equally effective for generating high scores. The Longhorns aggressively attack the paint and draw free throws at an exceptional rate. They're among the top teams in the country for free throws made, which is a vital aspect when betting on the Over, as free throws keep the score ticking even when the game clock is paused.

This aspect becomes even more critical against an NC State defense that has had a tough season. The Wolfpack are near the bottom of the ACC in various defensive metrics, including effective field goal percentage allowed and two-point defense. They also permit opponents to frequently reach the free-throw line, ranking outside the top 200 nationally in free-throw rate allowed.

Recently, neither team has demonstrated much defensive strength. Texas has an adjusted defensive efficiency ranking outside the top 100, while NC State has been inconsistent defensively all season. Both teams have also participated in numerous high-scoring games. Texas has had 19 games go over the total this year, and NC State has seen the Over hit 21 times.

The matchup also favors a fast pace. Both teams are comfortable playing quickly, and neither defense has consistently managed to slow down their opponents. If the game unfolds like their first meeting earlier this season, we could easily witness another high-scoring affair.

A final score of about 82–78 or 83–80 would comfortably exceed the total and reflect the offensive output both teams have displayed throughout the year. With weak defenses, strong offensive styles, and a history of scoring when they face each other, betting on the Over seems to be the safest option when making #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State predictions.

 

 

 

How To Watch #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State March Madness First Four

  • Date: Tuesday, March 17
  • Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
  • Location: UD Arena — Dayton, Ohio
  • TV: truTV

#11 Texas vs. #11 NC State Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

After reviewing our #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State predictions for this Tuesday, we’re thrilled to share the most recent #11 Texas vs. #11 NC State odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for this exciting matchup:

  • Money Line (ML): Longhorns -115 | Wolfpack -105
  • Spread: Longhorns -1.5 (+110) | Wolfpack +1.5 (-130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 158.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

 

 

 

#11 Texas vs. #11 NC State Injury Report & Latest News

Texas Injury Report

  • L. Traore (F) – Out, Undisclosed

NC State Injury Report

  • A. Breed (G) – Questionable, Undisclosed
  • J. Deng (F) – Out, Redshirt
  • C. Langdon (F) – Questionable, Undisclosed

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