No. 16 UNC Faces N.C. State in Lone Rivalry Showdown

Tar Heels look to exploit Wolfpack's interior defense in season's only matchup

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

No. 16 North Carolina travels to Raleigh to face off against in-state rival N.C. State in the only regular season meeting between the two teams this year. The Tar Heels will look to take advantage of the Wolfpack's struggles defending the paint, while N.C. State will try to shoot UNC out of the gym with its league-leading 3-point shooting.

Why it matters

This is the first time in over a century that the UNC-N.C. State rivalry will only feature a single regular season matchup, adding extra significance to Tuesday's game. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament seeding and positioning in the ACC standings.

The details

North Carolina is coming off a 79-65 win over Pittsburgh, with Zayden High and Jarin Stevenson stepping up in the frontcourt with Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar out. N.C. State has lost two straight games after a six-game ACC win streak, struggling to defend the interior and rebound against opponents. The Wolfpack lead the ACC in 3-point shooting at 39.4%, but have been dominated in the paint in their losses this season.

  • The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.
  • This is the only regular season meeting between UNC and N.C. State, the first time that has happened since 1919.

The players

Zayden High

A sophomore forward who stepped up with 15 points and 7 rebounds in his first career start for UNC against Pittsburgh.

Jarin Stevenson

A junior forward who had 19 points in the win over Pitt, one of four Tar Heel starters in double figures.

Ven Allen Lubin

The senior center for N.C. State who leads the ACC in field goal percentage at 68.4%, but has struggled to defend the paint and protect the rim.

Will Wade

In his first season as N.C. State's head coach after previously leading McNeese State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

Hubert Davis

The second-year UNC head coach who has led the Tar Heels to a 20-5 record and a top-25 national ranking so far this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're not the biggest bunch, and (UNC), they're massive on the front line, which has been a major issue for us this season.”

— Will Wade, N.C. State Head Coach (ACC Availability)

“(Veesaar) continues to feel better and get better... We've got practice this afternoon, and we'll just, again, re-evaluate and see how he's doing and then move forward from there.”

— Hubert Davis, UNC Head Coach (ACC Availability)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.