In a thrilling ACC Tournament opener, NC State emerged victorious over Pitt with a 98-88 win, marking their first tournament appearance in nearly two years. The Wolfpack showcased a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Quadir Copeland led the charge with an impressive 24 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, shooting efficiently at 7-of-10 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the line.
The game began with NC State struggling to find their footing, allowing Pitt to jump to an early 8-2 lead. However, a well-timed timeout by coach Will Wade helped the team regroup. NC State then picked up the pace, overcoming a barrage of threes from Pitt and taking a narrow 51-50 lead into halftime.
The Wolfpack's offensive rhythm was evident as they turned defense into offense, extending their lead to 15 points in the second half. Darrion Williams was a standout, hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while Tre Holloman contributed 14 points, showcasing his full-court prowess.
Ven Allen Lubin continued his consistent play, contributing 18 points and five rebounds, and was flawless from the free-throw line, hitting all eight attempts. Young talents Matt Able and Paul McNeil combined for 26 points, providing crucial support with their shooting and rebounding.
Key to their success was NC State's resilience in the face of early adversity. Despite some defensive lapses, they managed to go 7-of-9 from deep in the first half, thanks to the efforts of Copeland, McNeil, and Lubin. Their ability to draw fouls and capitalize from the stripe, going 16-of-20 in the first half, was instrumental in maintaining their lead.
In the second half, NC State started strong with a 10-1 run, spearheaded by Copeland and Williams, which forced Pitt to call a timeout. Even as Pitt attempted a comeback, cutting the lead to five points with just over five minutes remaining, NC State held firm. Copeland's aggressive drives and smart decision-making ensured the Wolfpack stayed ahead, ultimately sealing the victory.
This win was crucial for NC State, likely securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament and lifting a weight off their shoulders. While there are still areas to improve, particularly on defense and in winning 50-50 battles, this performance was a significant step forward.
As they prepare to face Virginia in the quarterfinals, NC State will look to build on this momentum. With their offense clicking and key players finding their rhythm, the Wolfpack are poised for a strong showing in the tournament.