NC State Wolfpack Earn Big Win Over Pitt in ACC Tournament Opener

The Wolfpack shot 60.8% from the field and made 13 3-pointers to defeat the Panthers and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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NC State, the 7-seed in the ACC Tournament, defeated 15-seed Pitt 98-88 in their opening round matchup. The Wolfpack had a strong second half, shooting 60.8% from the field and making 13 3-pointers, to overcome a slow start and earn the much-needed victory. Senior guard Quadir Copeland led NC State with 24 points, while senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin added 18 and sophomore guard Paul McNeil chipped in 15.

Why it matters

NC State had lost six of its last seven regular season games, putting its NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. This win over Pitt gives the Wolfpack momentum and improves their chances of securing a spot in the Big Dance on Selection Sunday.

The details

Despite a slow start, NC State was able to turn things around in the second half, shooting an impressive 60.8% from the field and knocking down 13 3-pointers. The Wolfpack's balanced scoring attack, led by Copeland, Lubin, and McNeil, proved too much for Pitt to handle.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Quadir Copeland

A senior guard for the NC State Wolfpack who led the team with 24 points in the win over Pitt.

Ven-Allen Lubin

A senior forward for the NC State Wolfpack who scored 18 points in the victory.

Paul McNeil

A sophomore guard for the NC State Wolfpack who contributed 15 points in the win.

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack who has led the team to the ACC Tournament after a late-season skid.

Pitt

The 15-seed in the ACC Tournament who fell to the 7-seed NC State Wolfpack in the opening round.

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What they’re saying

“Life on and around the bubble can be stressful for teams. Some rise up to the occasion, proving their case for the NCAA tournament, while others fail to meet the moment.”

— Noah Fleischman, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

NC State will advance to the next round of the ACC Tournament, where they will face a higher-seeded opponent. A strong performance in the tournament could solidify their place in the NCAA Tournament field.

The takeaway

This win over Pitt is a crucial step for the NC State Wolfpack in their quest to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. The team's ability to overcome a slow start and dominate the second half shows their resilience and potential to make a deep postseason run.