LAHAINA, Hawaii (Interstat) — In a high-octane, back-and-forth offensive showcase, the Texas Longhorns outlasted the North Carolina State Wolfpack 102-97 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Wednesday at the Lahaina Civic Center.

The game, played before a crowd of 2,400 as part of the Maui Invitational, was a stark contrast in styles. Texas leveraged a blistering offensive performance from beyond the arc and capitalized at the free-throw line, while North Carolina State pounded the ball inside but could not keep pace in a second-half shootout.

The Longhorns seized control early, building a 10-point halftime lead behind a prolific three-point shooting display. Texas connected on 16 of 32 attempts from long range for the game, a 50 percent clip that consistently stretched the Wolfpack defense. They were also nearly flawless from the charity stripe, making 28 of 33 free throws.

North Carolina State, conversely, dominated the interior, scoring 46 points in the paint compared to just 20 for Texas. The Wolfpack shot a solid 53.1 percent from the floor but were hampered by a relative lack of three-point production and a less efficient night from the free-throw line, where they made 20 of 28 attempts.

The game featured several standout individual performances. Jordan Pope led the Longhorns with 28 points and 4 assists, his outside shooting proving to be a constant threat. He was supported by a balanced attack that saw Chendall Weaver score 17 points, Dailyn Swain contribute 14 points and 7 assists, and Simeon Wilcher and Camden Heide add 12 and 11 points, respectively. Seven-foot center Matas Vokietaitis provided a strong inside presence with 13 points.

For the Wolfpack, Quadir Copeland delivered a heroic effort in the losing cause, pouring in 28 points and dishing out 6 assists. Ven-Allen Lubin was a force in the paint, scoring 23 points and hauling in a game-high number of offensive rebounds, while Paul McNeil added 20 points. Darrion Williams chipped in 10 points for North Carolina State.

The contest was a tale of two halves defined by offensive execution. Texas established its rhythm in the first period, taking a 47-37 lead into the break. The Longhorns’ ability to convert from deep and generate 24 fastbreak points, compared to just 7 for the Wolfpack, was a decisive factor in creating separation.

North Carolina State mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, erupting for 60 points. The Wolfpack’s interior dominance and relentless attacking kept the pressure on Texas throughout the final 20 minutes. However, every Wolfpack surge was answered by a critical Longhorns three-pointer or a pair of clutch free throws, preventing North Carolina State from ever reclaiming the lead.

The final minutes were a frantic exchange of scores. With the game on the line, Texas displayed superior composure at the free-throw line, sinking crucial attempts in the closing seconds to seal the five-point victory. A last-second three-point attempt by the Wolfpack to tie the game missed its mark, allowing the Longhorns to escape with the win.

With the result, Texas improved its season record to 6-2. The Longhorns will next host Virginia on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

North Carolina State, which had its two-game winning streak snapped, fell to 5-2. The Wolfpack will look to rebound on the road at Auburn on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The game defied pregame expectations, as North Carolina State had been installed as a slight favorite. The combined score of 199 points sailed far past the projected over/under line.