NC State Advances to ACC Tournament Quarterfinals

Wolfpack set to face Virginia for third time this season

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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NC State snapped a four-game skid with a 98-88 win over Pitt in the second round of the ACC Tournament. The Wolfpack now turns its attention to a quarterfinal matchup against Virginia, the 2-seed that beat NC State by a combined 34 points in their two regular season meetings.

Why it matters

NC State entered the ACC Tournament with the goal of competing for the conference title. To achieve that, the Wolfpack will need to find a way to defeat Virginia, a team that has dominated them in the regular season. This third meeting between the two squads will be a crucial test for NC State as it looks to turn the tables and advance in the tournament.

The details

After a difficult stretch that saw them lose four straight games, the NC State Wolfpack arrived in Charlotte with a refreshed mindset. They were able to snap that skid with a convincing 98-88 victory over Pitt in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Now, NC State sets its sights on a quarterfinal matchup against Virginia, the 2-seed that beat the Wolfpack by a combined 34 points in their two regular season meetings.

  • NC State defeated Pitt 98-88 in the second round of the ACC Tournament on March 11, 2026.
  • NC State will face Virginia in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on March 12, 2026 at 12 p.m. EST.

The players

NC State Wolfpack

The NC State men's basketball team, competing in the ACC Tournament with the goal of winning the conference title.

Virginia

The 2-seed in the ACC Tournament, a team that has dominated NC State in their two regular season meetings.

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What’s next

The winner of the NC State-Virginia quarterfinal matchup will advance to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.

The takeaway

NC State has a chance to redeem itself against a dominant Virginia squad and prove it can compete for the ACC title. The Wolfpack's ability to flip the script and knock off the 2-seed will be a crucial test as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.