Denver ? North Carolina coach Roy Williams was worried about Texas’ big front line and deep bench.

Seems he knew what he was talking about.

Royal Ivey had 17 points and 11 Texas players scored, lifting the Longhorns into the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend for the third straight year with a 78-75 win over the Tar Heels Saturday night.

“It’s a situation I would like,” Williams said. “In the past, I have had teams that had deep benches and could put a lot of people out there. It is nice to be in a situation where you can play people and not worry about fouls and not worry about stamina as much.”

North Carolina (19-11) has the history — three NCAA titles and 15 Final Fours — but Texas (25-7) had the experience advantage in this one.

The Longhorns made it to the Final Four last year and have nine upperclassmen, while most of North Carolina’s players were in high school the last time the Tar Heels made the tournament in 2001.

Texas also had a mismatch up front, with a rotation that includes four players 6-foot-8 or taller, and a deeper bench.

Duke 90, Seton Hall 62

Raleigh, N.C. — J.J. Redick snapped out of a shooting slump, scoring 21 points to lead top-seeded Duke (29-5).

Mike Krzyzewski’s Blue Devils, seeking their fourth national title, will face the winner of today’s Illinois-Cincinnati game Friday at the Georgia Dome.

Kelly Whitney and John Allen led Seton Hall (21-10) with 14 points each.