The Clemson Tigers came into Tuesday night riding high. Ranked 16th in the nation and boasting a nine-game win streak, they were one victory away from matching the best start to ACC play in program history. But inside PNC Arena, the NC State Wolfpack had other plans.
In a game that had all the makings of a classic conference battle, NC State outlasted Clemson in overtime, 80-76, halting the Tigers’ momentum and grabbing a much-needed statement win. The Wolfpack had dropped their previous three matchups against ranked opponents this season, but this time, they closed the deal.
A Gritty, Grown-Up Win for the Pack
NC State didn’t dominate the box score in every category - in fact, they were outrebounded 38-30 - but what they did do was capitalize on Clemson’s mistakes. The Wolfpack turned 13 Clemson turnovers into 19 points, and in a game where every possession mattered, that was massive.
Even more critical was NC State’s performance at the free-throw line. The Pack went 22-for-25 from the stripe, showing poise in the kind of pressure moments that have often slipped away from them this season. That efficiency was a difference-maker in a game that went to overtime tied at 69.
Lubin and Williams Lead the Charge
Senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin was a force all night, finishing with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting. He was aggressive, decisive, and exactly the kind of presence NC State needed in a game where physicality and composure were essential.
Alongside him, Darrion Williams chipped in 17 points. While he didn’t have the cleanest shooting night (5-of-17), he hit the game’s biggest shot - a corner three in overtime that gave NC State a 74-72 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Williams and Lubin combined for seven of the Wolfpack’s 11 points in the extra period, stepping up when it mattered most.
A Bounce-Back Moment
This win didn’t just snap Clemson’s streak - it was a big-time bounce-back for NC State after a frustrating 78-74 loss to Georgia Tech just days earlier. That loss had stung, especially with the Wolfpack hovering in the middle of the ACC standings and trying to carve out a clear path to March.
Now, with a win over a Clemson team that hadn’t lost since December 9, NC State has something tangible to build on. They’ve still got a rematch with No.
14 Virginia on the calendar and haven’t yet faced several of the ACC’s top-tier teams. But this victory gives the Pack a shot of confidence and a bit of breathing room in the NCAA Tournament picture.
Before Tuesday’s tip, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi had NC State slotted as a 10-seed. That was before the upset. With this win, the Wolfpack’s resume just got stronger - and with three of their six losses coming by five points or fewer, it’s clear this is a team that’s been knocking on the door.
What This Means for Clemson
For Clemson, the loss stings, but it’s not a season-derailer. The Tigers showed resilience, erasing an 11-point deficit to force overtime.
They’re still 16-4 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, very much in the thick of the conference race. But it’s a reminder that the ACC grind doesn’t let up - and that even teams on a roll can get tripped up if they’re not sharp from start to finish.
The Bottom Line
This was a classic ACC battle - physical, emotional, and decided by execution in the final minutes. For NC State, it’s the kind of win that can shift a season’s trajectory. For Clemson, it’s a bump in the road, but one that comes with lessons as the Tigers chase bigger goals down the stretch.
January basketball in the ACC is never easy. Tuesday night just proved it.