Texas Longhorns Keep Faint NCAA Hopes Alive with Overtime Win at Mississippi State

In what can only be described as a season-defining victory, the Texas Longhorns kept their NCAA tournament dreams alive with an 82-79 overtime win at Mississippi State. The thrilling game saw the Longhorns claw their way back from a late deficit, showing grit, resilience, and the determination that has defined their program under head coach Rodney Terry. The victory came at a crucial point in the season as the Longhorns were facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament, making this overtime thriller even more important for their postseason aspirations.

While the win against Mississippi State was an impressive one, it was also a testament to the growth of this team, especially after what had been a tumultuous and inconsistent season. With key players stepping up in clutch moments and their defense tightening when it was needed most, Texas showed they still have the potential to make a deep run if they can carry this momentum forward.

As the season nears its final stretch, this game could very well be the turning point Texas needed to solidify their place in the NCAA tournament. But with several tough matchups ahead, the Longhorns will need to build on this win and prove they can compete consistently at a high level.

A Back-and-Forth Battle

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that the game would be an intense, back-and-forth battle between two teams with a lot on the line. Mississippi State, which entered the game as a ranked team, was looking to bolster their standing in the NCAA tournament conversation, while the Longhorns were desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive.

Texas came out with energy, pushing the ball up the court and showing aggressive defense. However, Mississippi State’s physicality and ability to dominate the paint early on presented challenges for the Longhorns. The Bulldogs quickly built a lead, with star guard Shakeel Moore pushing the tempo and finding ways to exploit Texas’ defensive lapses.

Mississippi State’s defense, one of the most formidable in the SEC, caused trouble for Texas’ offense throughout the first half. The Bulldogs effectively trapped the Longhorns in the half-court and made it difficult for them to establish any offensive rhythm. While Texas struggled to get good looks, they leaned on senior guard Marcus Carr, who kept them in the game with timely shots and aggressive drives to the basket.

At the other end, the Bulldogs were led by Tolu Smith, whose size and physicality in the post created problems for Texas’ defense. Smith had his way in the paint, finishing several possessions with powerful dunks and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. Mississippi State seemed to be in control for much of the first half, but Texas stayed within striking distance, trailing by just five points at halftime, 38-33.

The first 20 minutes were an emotional rollercoaster, with both teams making their runs and facing adversity. But as the second half began, it became clear that the outcome of this game would come down to which team could withstand the pressure and execute in crunch time.

Texas Responds in the Second Half

The Longhorns came out of the locker room after halftime with renewed energy and focus. They quickly went on a 7-0 run, taking their first lead of the game and forcing Mississippi State to call a timeout. Carr, who had been the team’s primary offensive weapon, continued to show why he’s the leader of this team. His ability to score in a variety of ways — whether it was attacking the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers — kept Texas within reach of the Bulldogs.

The momentum shifted back and forth as both teams exchanged leads multiple times. Texas found ways to break Mississippi State’s defense, with Carr and fellow senior Timmy Allen leading the charge. Allen’s leadership and experience were evident, as he contributed both offensively and defensively. He made several big plays, grabbing rebounds, setting screens, and finishing key baskets when the Longhorns needed them most.

Despite Texas’ strong start to the second half, Mississippi State wasn’t ready to give up their lead easily. Smith continued to dominate in the paint, while Moore’s quickness and playmaking ability allowed the Bulldogs to generate easy baskets in transition. But Texas fought back, and the game remained close heading into the final minutes of regulation.

With the score tied at 70-70 with just under a minute remaining, the tension in Humphrey Coliseum was palpable. Both teams had their chances to take control of the game, but neither could capitalize on their opportunities. Texas had a chance to win the game in the final possession of regulation, but Carr’s contested three-pointer at the buzzer missed, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime: A Thrilling Conclusion

Overtime began with both teams looking fatigued but determined to find a way to win. The physical nature of the game had clearly taken a toll, but the players on both sides pushed through, knowing how much was at stake.

The Longhorns came out strong in the extra period, with Carr continuing to be the focal point of their offense. He hit a clutch jumper to give Texas a two-point lead early in overtime, and the Longhorns’ defense clamped down on Mississippi State. Texas’ ability to get stops when it mattered most was key, and they made sure to challenge every shot that the Bulldogs took.

Mississippi State wasn’t going down without a fight. Tolu Smith, who had been a force all game, scored quickly in the post, tying the game at 77-77. But once again, it was Marcus Carr who came through in the clutch. With the game tied and just under 30 seconds remaining, Carr drove to the basket and hit a floater over Smith’s outstretched arms to give Texas an 82-79 lead.

The Bulldogs had one final chance to tie the game, but Texas’ defense held firm. Mississippi State was forced to take a contested three-pointer in the closing seconds, and the shot missed, securing the win for the Longhorns.

Marcus Carr’s Clutch Performance

Carr’s performance in the overtime period was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the game with a team-high 28 points, including several clutch shots in both the second half and overtime. His ability to remain calm under pressure, as well as his poise in crunch-time situations, was a key factor in the win.

“I’ve been in these situations before, so I just tried to stay confident,” Carr said after the game. “My teammates trust me, and I trust them. We’ve been through a lot this season, but this game shows what we’re capable of when we stick together.”

Carr’s leadership on the court was critical, but he also received significant contributions from his teammates. Timmy Allen, who had been struggling for much of the game, finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Dillon Mitchell, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, added 10 points and 7 rebounds, giving the Longhorns a much-needed boost off the bench.

Impact on Texas’ NCAA Hopes

With the win, Texas improved to 17-12 on the season, keeping their NCAA tournament hopes alive. The victory over a ranked team like Mississippi State is a major boost to the Longhorns’ resume, and it gives them confidence as they head into the final stretch of their regular-season schedule.

“We’re not done yet,” head coach Rodney Terry said. “This win shows what we’re capable of. We know we have to keep pushing, but we’ve got a group of guys that believe in each other. We’ve got work to do, but this win means a lot for our confidence.”

While Texas still has a challenging road ahead, including matchups against top-tier teams in the Big 12, this victory against Mississippi State proves that they can compete with anyone. If they can continue to build on this momentum, the Longhorns could very well find themselves in the NCAA tournament, despite a season full of ups and downs.

The Texas Longhorns’ 82-79 overtime win at Mississippi State was a thrilling and crucial victory that kept their NCAA tournament hopes alive. Marcus Carr’s clutch performance, combined with key contributions from his teammates, helped the Longhorns secure a win against a tough, ranked opponent. With several key games remaining on their schedule, Texas must now focus on maintaining this level of play if they hope to secure a spot in the postseason.

This victory was not just about keeping their tournament dreams alive; it was a statement that Texas is a team capable of competing with the best. If they can continue to execute under pressure and improve their consistency, the Longhorns could make a run that surprises many in March. The road ahead won’t be easy, but after this performance, Texas believes they can still make some noise in the NCAA tournament.