SPORTS

Mark's jumper sends Texas forward; Howard wins first

PUBLISHED Mar 17, 2026, 11:07 PM ET

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DAYTON, Ohio, Texas advanced in the NCAA Tournament after Tramon Mark hit a fadeaway jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining, giving the Longhorns a 68-66 First Four win over North Carolina State on Tuesday night. Mark scored 17 points as Texas (19-14) earned an 11-seed in the West and will face sixth-seeded BYU in Portland on Thursday. In other First Four action, Howard defeated UMBC 86-83 for the program's first NCAA Tournament victory, while Miami (Ohio) entered Dayton following a 31-1 season with concerns over its strength of schedule. Several close finishes occurred. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Regular seasons completed; Miami (Ohio) finished 31-1 but lacked Quadrant 1 opponents.
Conference tournament losses (e.g., Miami's MAC loss) influenced selection uncertainty.
NCAA Selection Sunday assigned First Four games in Dayton for lower-seeded matchups.
First Four results: Texas beat NC State 68-66 (Mark's 1.1s jumper); Howard beat UMBC 86-83.
Winners advance to regional sites: Texas to play BYU in Portland; Howard to face Michigan.

News Intelligence

The NCAA Tournament isn't just about the big names. It's about the underdogs and the thrill of the game. If you're a fan of college basketball, these close finishes and unexpected victories are what make March Madness so exciting. Check the schedule and don't miss the next round of games.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Texas and Howard benefited directly: Texas secured advancement in the NCAA bracket with Tramon Mark's game-winning shot, and Howard earned its program's first NCAA Tournament victory, both gaining momentum and the opportunity to face higher-seeded opponents.

Who Impacted

NC State and UMBC suffered immediate tournament exits: NC State lost a late lead and the First Four game to Texas, while UMBC fell 86-83 to Howard, ending both teams' March runs and altering regional matchups.

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