Miami Hurricanes vs. NC State Wolfpack: A Physical Battle Brewing in Raleigh
Tip-off: 4PM ET
Location: Raleigh, NC
TV: ESPN2
The Miami Hurricanes are riding high into Raleigh, fresh off their biggest win of the season-a 75-66 takedown of No. 11 North Carolina.
That victory wasn’t just a confidence boost; it was a statement. Under first-year head coach Jai Lucas, this Hurricanes squad is starting to look like a legitimate threat in the ACC.
Now sitting at 19-5 overall and 8-3 in conference play, Miami has won four of its last five and is getting it done on the road with a 5-1 away record. They’ve found their rhythm on both ends of the floor, and the numbers tell the story: an adjusted offensive efficiency of 118.1, a defensive rating hovering around 100.8, and a team that shoots it well (56.4% effective FG%), rebounds with purpose, and doesn’t beat itself with turnovers.
Miami’s Core: Balanced, Physical, and Built to Attack
This Hurricanes team thrives on balance and physicality, and it all starts with forward Malik Reneau. The 6’9” junior is averaging 19.8 points per game and doing it with surgical efficiency-56% from the field, 36% from deep, and nearly 78% at the line.
He’s a matchup nightmare, especially for a Wolfpack frontcourt that doesn’t have an ideal answer for his blend of size, footwork, and touch. Reneau’s ability to score with either hand in the paint makes him the focal point of Miami’s offense.
In the backcourt, Tre Donaldson is the engine. He’s averaging 15.8 points and 6.1 assists per game while logging heavy minutes and playing with poise.
He’s a two-way guard who can push the pace, create for others, and pick pockets on defense. When Miami needs a bucket or a spark, Donaldson is often the guy making it happen.
Inside, Ernest Udeh Jr. brings muscle and hustle. He’s pulling down 9.6 rebounds per game, swatting shots, and finishing efficiently around the rim.
He’s the kind of big who doesn’t need plays called for him-he just makes winning plays. Add in contributions from wings like Shelton Henderson, who gives them another slasher and defender, and this Miami team has depth and identity.
Wade’s Warning: NC State Must Match the Fight
NC State head coach Will Wade isn’t sugarcoating what’s coming.
“They’re big, they’re physical, they play to their strengths,” Wade said. “They’re going to try to punk us.”
Wade knows his team will need to bring a level of toughness that was sorely missing in their last outing-a 118-77 blowout loss at Louisville that snapped their six-game winning streak. That was the Wolfpack’s longest run in ACC play since the 1973-74 season, but it ended in brutal fashion. Louisville’s 118 points were the second-most ever allowed by NC State, and Mikel Brown Jr.'s 45-point explosion tied the record for the most points ever scored by an opponent against the Pack.
If Miami’s watched that tape-and you better believe they have-they’ll be licking their chops.
Keys for NC State: Physicality, Perimeter Shooting, and Composure
For the Wolfpack, it starts with matching Miami’s physical presence. That means holding their own in the paint, boxing out on every possession, and not getting bullied on the glass. Miami ranks near the Top 25 in offensive rebounding percentage, while NC State has struggled on the offensive boards all season.
But here’s where NC State can flip the script: from beyond the arc.
The Wolfpack are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country, ranking 7th nationally in percentage. Miami, on the other hand, is just 193rd in defending the three. If NC State can knock down shots and stretch the floor, they’ll force Miami to defend in space and potentially open up driving lanes.
Players to Watch
Malik Reneau (Miami - F)
Reneau has been the heartbeat of Miami’s offense.
He’s averaging 19.8 points on elite shooting splits-56.1% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 77.9% at the line-while grabbing 6.6 rebounds per game. His ability to score inside and out makes him a tough cover, and he’s been at his best in big moments.
NC State will need to throw multiple looks at him to slow him down.
Quadir Copeland (NC State - G)
Copeland is the floor general for the Wolfpack and leads the ACC in assists at 6.9 per game.
He’s also scoring 13.9 points per contest and brings size (6’6”), vision, and defensive instincts (1.8 steals per game). He’s coming off a rough outing at Louisville-just 10 points and three assists, with more turnovers than dimes for only the second time this season-but he’s been a steady force overall.
His ability to control tempo and distribute the ball will be crucial if NC State wants to get back on track.
Ven-Allen Lubin (NC State - F)
Lubin was one of the few bright spots in the loss to Louisville, scoring 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
He’s been remarkably efficient all season, shooting 68.0% from the field-tops in the ACC and fourth in the nation. He’s also averaging a career-best 13.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
His presence inside will be key against Miami’s physical frontcourt.
Tre Holloman (NC State - G)
The Michigan State transfer has quietly been heating up.
He scored 19 points at Louisville and has now hit double digits in four straight games. Over that stretch, Holloman is averaging 14.3 points and shooting 52.5% from the field, including 10 made threes.
If he can keep that momentum going, it gives NC State another weapon on the perimeter.
Final Word
This one’s going to be a test of toughness.
Miami is coming in with confidence, momentum, and a clear identity. They’re physical, they attack the paint, and they’ve got multiple guys who can hurt you. NC State, meanwhile, is trying to shake off a humbling loss and rediscover the form that had them riding a six-game win streak.
If the Wolfpack can hit shots, take care of the ball, and-most importantly-match Miami’s physicality, this could be a bounce-back moment. But if they let the Hurricanes dictate the tone early, things could get away from them fast.
Tip-off’s at 4PM in Raleigh. Expect a battle.