In a crucial showdown at the ACC Tournament, NC State delivered a performance that could very well rejuvenate their NCAA Tournament hopes. The Wolfpack, led by Will Wade, secured a 98-88 victory over the 15th-seeded Pittsburgh, a win that not only halted their four-game losing streak but also injected some much-needed confidence into the squad.
Quadir Copeland was the star of the show, pouring in 24 points and dishing out eight assists. His leadership on the court was complemented by five other teammates scoring in double figures, showcasing the depth and versatility of NC State's roster. The team was on fire, shooting over 60% from the field and nailing 13 of their 23 attempts from beyond the arc.
Early on, it looked like the game might slip away as NC State found themselves trailing by nine in the first half. But the Wolfpack roared back with a 13-0 run, flipping the script and seizing control. They carried that momentum into the second half, starting with a 10-1 run that put them firmly in the driver’s seat.
Pittsburgh, despite their efforts, couldn't regain the lead after the 5:52 mark in the first half. Ven-Allen Lubin contributed 18 points and grabbed five rebounds, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide against a determined NC State team.
This victory marks NC State's sixth consecutive win in ACC Tournament play. The Wolfpack had previously made a memorable run in 2024, capturing their first conference title since 1987. While they missed the tournament last year, this win sets up an exciting matchup against the No. 2 seed Virginia.
As the tournament progresses at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC State will look to build on this momentum. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, and with their confidence restored, the Wolfpack are ready to make some noise.
Upcoming matchups include:
- SMU vs. Louisville
- California vs. Florida State
- Wake Forest vs. Clemson
The quarterfinals promise more action, with NC State facing off against Virginia. Fans are in for a treat as the ACC Tournament continues to deliver high-stakes basketball drama.