NC State coach Wes Moore calls for team to 'play harder' after loss at Duke

Wolfpack fell to No. 9 Blue Devils 83-65, marking second straight road defeat for NC State.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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NC State men's basketball coach Wes Moore was frustrated with his team's effort in an 83-65 loss at No. 9 Duke. Moore said the Wolfpack didn't rebound or defend well enough, and that the entire team needs to 'play harder' as NC State fights for a double-bye in the upcoming ACC Tournament.

Why it matters

NC State is currently fifth in the ACC standings, needing to finish in the top four to earn a double-bye in the conference tournament. The Wolfpack has lost two straight road games, falling at Notre Dame and Duke, and Moore is concerned about his team's compete level with the postseason approaching.

The details

Duke dominated the glass with a 41-25 rebounding advantage, while limiting NC State to less than 18 points in three of the four quarters. The Wolfpack did make a 16-2 run in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 6, but couldn't sustain the rally. Moore was frustrated with his team's 1-on-1 offense and lack of assists, as NC State missed all 6 of its 3-point attempts.

  • NC State fell at Notre Dame 79-67 on Sunday.
  • The Wolfpack will host Syracuse, currently third in the ACC, on Sunday afternoon.

The players

Wes Moore

The 13th-year head coach of the NC State men's basketball team.

Taina Mair

Duke's starting point guard, who recorded 11 rebounds, more than NC State's starting post players combined.

Khamil Pierre

NC State's starting post player.

Tilda Trygger

NC State's other starting post player.

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What they’re saying

“They are who we thought they were. They defend and they rebound. We knew coming into the game rebounding was going to be an important part of it, and we didn't get that done.”

— Wes Moore, Head Coach, NC State

“I think our whole team can play harder. I'll be honest, this is crunch time. And this is a tough time because we're not quite at March yet and we've been going a long time. February is what I call the dog days of the season. But we can't wait til March.”

— Wes Moore, Head Coach, NC State

“They say they're dogs. What kind of dog are we? I keep bringing that up. We've got to be Doberman or whatever. We can't be Chihuahuas.”

— Wes Moore, Head Coach, NC State

What’s next

NC State will host Syracuse, currently third in the ACC standings, on Sunday afternoon as the Wolfpack continues its push for a double-bye in the conference tournament.

The takeaway

Coach Moore is concerned about his team's compete level and effort level as NC State fights for postseason positioning, calling for the entire team to 'play harder' down the stretch. The Wolfpack's struggles on the road against top teams like Duke and Notre Dame have put them behind the eight ball in the race for a double-bye, making each remaining regular season game crucial.