NC State beats Virginia Tech 82-73 behind Copeland and McNeil Jr.

Wolfpack duo combine for 42 points in ACC matchup

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Quadir Copeland and Paul McNeil Jr. each scored 21 points to lead NC State to an 82-73 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday. Copeland added a 10-assist double-double, while McNeil hit 4 three-pointers. The Wolfpack led by 12 at halftime and held off a second-half Hokies rally to secure the ACC win.

Why it matters

This was an important conference win for NC State, who improved to 9-2 in ACC play and remained in the hunt for the regular season title. The Wolfpack showed their offensive firepower, with Copeland and McNeil combining for over half the team's points.

The details

Copeland recorded his fourth double-double of the season, tying his career high with 10 assists to go along with 21 points and 5 steals. McNeil was efficient, going 4-of-7 from three-point range and 7-of-8 at the free throw line. NC State led by 12 at halftime, but Virginia Tech cut the deficit to 3 with 11 minutes left before the Wolfpack responded with a 10-1 run to pull away.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • NC State led 36-24 at halftime.

The players

Quadir Copeland

A senior guard for NC State who recorded a 10-assist double-double in the win.

Paul McNeil Jr.

A junior guard for NC State who scored 21 points, including 4 three-pointers.

Tre Holloman

An NC State player who scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting with 3 three-pointers.

Amani Hansberry

A Virginia Tech player who led the Hokies with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

Tobi Lawal

A Virginia Tech player who had 17 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.

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What’s next

NC State will face No. 24 Louisville on the road on Monday, February 10th. Virginia Tech will travel to face No. 20 Clemson on Wednesday, February 12th.

The takeaway

NC State's balanced scoring attack, led by the strong performances of Copeland and McNeil, allowed them to hold off a second-half Virginia Tech comeback and secure an important conference win. The Wolfpack remain in the hunt for the ACC regular season title with this victory.