NC State Tops Virginia Tech With 3-Point Barrage

Wolfpack's conference-leading perimeter offense overcomes Hokies' stifling defense

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NC State sophomore guard Paul McNeil, the ACC's leading 3-point shooter, knocked down four triples to lead the Wolfpack to an 82-73 victory over Virginia Tech, the conference's top perimeter defense team. McNeil's confident and efficient performance from beyond the arc helped NC State's conference-best 3-point offense overcome the Hokies' stifling defensive pressure.

Why it matters

This matchup pitted two of the ACC's best teams and highlighted the contrasting strengths of NC State's potent 3-point shooting attack and Virginia Tech's lockdown perimeter defense. The outcome demonstrated how NC State's offensive firepower can overcome even the toughest defensive schemes when its shooters are dialed in.

The details

Despite Virginia Tech's best efforts to force McNeil to drive instead of shoot, the NC State sophomore still managed to connect on four 3-pointers to pace his team's offensive attack. The Wolfpack's conference-leading 3-point offense proved too much for the Hokies' stifling perimeter defense to contain over the course of the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday afternoon at the Lenovo Center.

The players

Paul McNeil

A sophomore guard for NC State and the ACC's leading 3-point shooter.

NC State Wolfpack

The men's basketball team from North Carolina State University, which owns the ACC's best 3-point shooting offense.

Virginia Tech Hokies

The men's basketball team from Virginia Tech University, which has the ACC's top perimeter defense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He knew Virginia Tech was going to try to rattle him with various defenses, making him drive instead of launching rainbow triples from the perimeter, all afternoon.”

— Noah Fleischman, Author (on3.com)

The takeaway

NC State's ability to overcome Virginia Tech's stifling perimeter defense with its own conference-leading 3-point shooting attack demonstrates the Wolfpack's offensive firepower and versatility, which could make them a force to be reckoned with in the ACC this season.