In a hard-fought battle at the 2026 ACC Tournament Quarterfinals, #7 seed NC State came up short against #2 seed Virginia, falling 81-74. The Wolfpack showed resilience, especially in the first half, but ultimately couldn't hold off the Cavaliers.
NC State's ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the free-throw line kept them competitive. Despite shooting a mere 36.8% from the field, the Wolfpack's 21 free throws-ten more than Virginia-along with a sharp 50% from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 22, kept them in the game.
Sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. was a standout, leading the team with 26 points and hitting 6 of 11 from three-point range. McNeil's second-half surge, scoring 19 of his total points, was crucial in keeping NC State in contention.
Senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin was instrumental in the first half, contributing 10 points. However, his impact waned in the second half, where he only added four points and missed all three field goal attempts. Despite this, Lubin led the team with 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Off the bench, freshman guard Matt Able provided a spark with 12 points, making 4 of 8 shots and 2 of 4 from deep. This marked the second time this season Able has scored in double digits in consecutive games.
Senior guard Quadir Copeland, who had shone in the previous game against Pitt, struggled today, managing just 3 of 10 shooting and committing four turnovers. He ended with nine points, six assists, and three blocks.
Senior forward Darrion Williams continued his shooting woes, scoring seven points on 2-of-6 shooting. Over the last three games, Williams has missed all eight of his two-point attempts.
Virginia's Ugonna Onyenso was a defensive powerhouse, blocking eight shots off the bench. Even with Johann Grünloh in foul trouble and limited to ten minutes, Onyenso's presence was felt.
While moral victories aren't celebrated, NC State's performance against the #10 team in the nation-especially after previous losses by 15 and 29 points-should boost their confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Despite the defeat, NC State is likely to secure an at-large bid for the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack now eagerly await Selection Sunday to learn their seeding in the Big Dance.