NC State Wolfpack to Host No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels

ACC rivals meet in Raleigh for key conference matchup

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The NC State Wolfpack (18-8, 9-4 ACC) will host the No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels (20-5, 8-4 ACC) in a key ACC matchup on Tuesday night in Raleigh. Both teams have been playing well lately, with the Wolfpack averaging 85.1 points per game over their last 10 and the Tar Heels averaging 82.5 points per game during that same stretch.

Why it matters

This game represents an important conference clash between two of the top teams in the ACC. The winner will gain ground in the race for a high seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament, which could impact their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The details

NC State has been led by the strong play of Darrion Williams, who is averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Ven-Allen Lubin has also been a key contributor, averaging 15.9 points and 7.6 rebounds over the last 10 games. For North Carolina, Caleb Wilson has been their top scorer, averaging 19.9 points per game, while Henri Veesaar has averaged 14.8 points over the last 10 contests.

  • The game will tip off at 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Darrion Williams

A key player for the NC State Wolfpack, averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Ven-Allen Lubin

Has been a standout for NC State over the last 10 games, averaging 15.9 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 71.8% from the field.

Caleb Wilson

The leading scorer for the North Carolina Tar Heels, averaging 19.9 points per game.

Henri Veesaar

Has averaged 14.8 points per game for the Tar Heels over the last 10 contests.

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The takeaway

This ACC matchup between NC State and North Carolina features two teams playing well and fighting for position in the conference standings. The outcome could have significant implications for their postseason aspirations.