NC State Drops Second Straight Game to No. 9 Duke

Wolfpack unable to complete furious comeback after early blitz by Blue Devils

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NC State struggled to contain Duke's high-powered offense in the first half, falling behind by as many as 20 points. Despite a spirited third-quarter run to cut the deficit to as few as 6 points, the Wolfpack couldn't complete the comeback, ultimately falling 83-65 to the 9th-ranked Blue Devils. The loss marks NC State's third defeat in its last five ACC games, including a pair of losses to ranked opponents.

Why it matters

This game highlights the challenges NC State has faced in conference play this season, as they've now dropped three of their last five ACC matchups, including losses to ranked foes North Carolina and Duke. The Wolfpack will need to regroup quickly to keep pace in the competitive ACC standings.

The details

Duke was able to consistently knock down shots against NC State's defense, shooting 49.2% from the field. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack hit 42.9% of their own attempts. Junior forward Khamil Pierre led NC State with 24 points, while junior guard Zoe Brooks added 21 and junior forward Tilda Trygger chipped in 6.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The players

Khamil Pierre

A junior forward for NC State who led the team with 24 points in the loss.

Zoe Brooks

A junior guard for NC State who scored 21 points in the game.

Tilda Trygger

A junior forward for NC State who contributed 6 points.

Duke Blue Devils

The 9th-ranked college basketball team that defeated NC State 83-65.

NC State Wolfpack

The college basketball team that suffered its second straight loss, dropping to 3-5 in ACC play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This loss highlights the challenges NC State has faced in ACC play this season, as they've now dropped three of their last five conference games, including defeats against ranked opponents North Carolina and Duke. The Wolfpack will need to regroup quickly to keep pace in the competitive ACC standings.