In a dazzling display of offensive prowess, the NC State men's basketball team lit up the scoreboard to secure a 98-88 victory over Pitt in the second round of the 2026 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament. Shooting a season-high 60.8 percent from the field, the Wolfpack showcased a level of efficiency that ties for the third-best in their ACC Tournament history.
From the get-go, NC State was firing on all cylinders, maintaining over 60 percent shooting in both halves. They went 60.9 percent in the first half and 60.7 percent in the second, leaving Pitt struggling to keep pace. The Pack's 13 three-pointers not only underscored their long-range threat but also matched their best in an ACC Tournament game, a feat last achieved in their win against SMU.
Quadir Copeland was the star of the show, leading six NC State players in double figures with 24 points and adding a game-high eight assists. Ven-Allen Lubin was nearly flawless, contributing 18 points while hitting all eight of his free throws. Paul McNeil, Jr., Tre Holloman, and Darrion Williams also chipped in with double-digit scoring, each shooting over 50 percent from the field.
The Wolfpack's starters were in sync, collectively shooting a remarkable 65.8 percent. Matt Able provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, further highlighting the team's depth. This performance places NC State among the elite, becoming just the ninth team in ACC Tournament history to have six players score in double figures in a single game.
McNeil's shooting prowess was on full display, as he moved up in the program's record books with his three triples, now tied for the fourth-most in a single season.
The Pack seized control in the second half, opening with a 10-1 run to establish a 61-51 lead. Although Pitt threatened, closing the gap to five with just over three minutes remaining, NC State responded decisively, stretching their lead back to double digits and sealing the game.
Cameron Corhen was the standout for Pitt, pouring in a game-high 27 points, but it wasn't enough to counter NC State's balanced attack. Both teams were hot in the first half, with NC State and Pitt shooting over 60 percent, but it was the Pack's resilience and precision that made the difference.
Looking ahead, NC State faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to take on second-seeded Virginia in the quarterfinals. With momentum on their side and a spot on ESPN2, the Wolfpack is poised to make another statement in the tournament.