NC State, UNC set for top-20 ACC showdown

Wolfpack and Tar Heels meet for only regular season matchup

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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NC State basketball (18-8, 9-4 ACC) will host No. 16 North Carolina (20-5, 8-4 ACC) on Tuesday night in a key ACC clash. The Wolfpack are coming off a tough one-point loss to Miami, while the Tar Heels are looking to bounce back from a loss of their own. Both teams are led by standout players, including NC State's Ven-Allen Lubin and UNC's Caleb Wilson, who is dealing with an injury.

Why it matters

This matchup between in-state rivals is always highly anticipated, and this year's game carries major conference and NCAA tournament implications. NC State is looking to solidify its NCAA tournament resume, while UNC is trying to keep pace in the ACC standings.

The details

NC State will need to shore up its rebounding after getting outrebounded by Miami last weekend. The Wolfpack have been one of the nation's best three-point shooting teams, but they'll need to find a way to score in the paint against the Tar Heels. UNC is dealing with some key injuries, as freshman forward Caleb Wilson and center Henri Veesaar are both questionable for the game.

  • The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • NC State lost to Miami 77-76 on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • UNC is coming off a 79-65 home win against Pittsburgh on February 15, 2026.

The players

Ven-Allen Lubin

NC State senior forward who is averaging a career-best 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season.

Caleb Wilson

UNC freshman forward who is one of the best players in the country, but is dealing with a hand injury and is questionable for the game.

Hubert Davis

UNC head coach who is in his fifth season leading the Tar Heels.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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 matchup between two of the ACC's top teams will be a must-watch game, with both squads looking to bounce back from recent losses and improve their NCAA tournament positioning. The health of key players like Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar will be crucial for UNC, while NC State will need to shore up its rebounding and find ways to score in the paint to pull off the home upset.