NC State found its rhythm Tuesday night, and Syracuse was on the receiving end of a statement performance. The Wolfpack rolled to an 88-68 win inside Lenovo Center, snapping a two-game home skid and doing it in style - with energy, execution, and a little extra motivation.
From the opening tip, NC State dictated the tempo. The Pack were sharp on both ends, and once the second half hit, they turned up the heat. It wasn’t just a win - it was a message to the rest of the ACC that this team is still very much in the fight.
Leading the charge was Darrion Williams, who put together his most complete game in conference play. The junior forward dropped 23 points, grabbed six boards, and dished out five assists - and he made it look effortless.
Whether it was knocking down shots, facilitating in transition, or crashing the glass, Williams was everywhere. He set the tone early and didn’t let up.
But he wasn’t alone.
Quadir Copeland, facing his former team, played like he had something to prove - and he delivered. The guard poured in 19 points and handed out nine assists, controlling the pace and punishing Syracuse’s defense every time they lost track of him.
His dunks brought the crowd to its feet. His swagger gave the Pack an edge.
And his playmaking kept the offense humming.
It wasn’t just a two-man show, though. NC State got meaningful contributions across the board.
Musa Sagnia brought energy and physicality inside. Paul McNeil Jr. gave solid minutes on the wing.
Tre Holloman and Ven-Allen Lubin added depth and toughness that helped the Pack stay in control even when Syracuse tried to make a push.
Head coach Will Wade was fired up throughout - whether it was rallying the team in pregame, hyping them up after a big run, or pushing the pace from the sidelines. His fingerprints were all over this one. The Pack looked organized, motivated, and ready to turn the page on their recent struggles at home.
This wasn’t just a bounce-back win. It was a confidence builder.
A reminder of what this team can look like when the pieces click. And with ACC play heating up, it couldn’t have come at a better time.