DAYTON, Ohio — NC State arrived at the First Four somewhat surprised to be there. Will Wade and the Wolfpack felt as though they had done enough to earn a spot in the field of 64, but a play-in matchup stood in the way against a familiar foe in the Texas Longhorns. A season loaded with expectations ultimately ended disappointingly for the Pack, as it lost 68-66. Wade's group fought for 40 minutes, but the game acted as a microcosm for the many issues that plagued his first season in Raleigh. Avoiding the early deficit Mar 17, 2026; Dayton, OH, USA; NC State Wolfpack forward Darrion Williams (1) dribbles the ball defended by Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) in the first half during the first four games of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesIt was about as bad a start as NC State could’ve asked for, allowing three straight 3-pointers to the Longhorns.…