North Carolina State basketball kicked off the 2026 season with a bang, boasting an impressive 18-6 record, including a thrilling 102-97 showdown against Texas at the Southwest Maui Invitational in November. The Wolfpack seemed poised for a standout year, but as the season wore on, their momentum fizzled, closing out with a disappointing 2-8 finish.
The Wolfpack's attitude, often perceived as overconfident, didn't do them any favors during this slump. That "bully" mentality can backfire, especially when the wins aren't there to back it up.
The final blow came when Sean Miller and his squad handed NC State another defeat, effectively ending any hopes of a late-season rally and marking a tough end to Will Wade's rollercoaster first season in Raleigh.
NC State stood strong at 18-6 on February 9, but the wheels came off, leaving them with a 2-8 record to close out the year.
This scenario is reminiscent of those high school days when an underdog team pulls off a major upset against a rival that just doesn't sit well with anyone. That's the kind of satisfaction Texas basketball is savoring right now.
The Longhorns are now gearing up to face BYU tomorrow night in the Round of 64, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their postseason journey.