NC State routs injury-hit rival UNC 82-58

The Wolfpack bounced back from a tough week with a dominant win over the 16th-ranked Tar Heels.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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North Carolina State's basketball team rolled past No. 16 North Carolina 82-58 on Tuesday night, bouncing back from a tough week that included a blowout loss at Louisville and a late collapse in a home defeat to Miami. The Wolfpack were led by strong performances from Quadir Copeland, Darrion Williams, and Ven-Allen Lubin, who took down their injury-hit rivals in front of a raucous home crowd.

Why it matters

This win was a much-needed boost for NC State, which had seen its NCAA Tournament hopes take a hit after some recent losses. Beating their in-state rival UNC, even with the Tar Heels missing key players to injury, was an important statement win for the Wolfpack as they look to secure their spot in March Madness.

The details

NC State dominated from start to finish, with Copeland overpowering UNC's smaller guards and Williams shaking off a hard fall that required stitches. The Wolfpack also got a boost from Lubin, a transfer who played for UNC last year. NC State shot 51.7% from the field while holding the Tar Heels to just 31.7% shooting and 5-of-33 from 3-point range.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Quadir Copeland

A 6-foot-6 point guard who transferred to NC State from Syracuse and McNeese State, he had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists in the win.

Darrion Williams

The preseason ACC Player of the Year, he shook off a hard fall that required stitches above his left eye to contribute to the Wolfpack's dominant performance.

Ven-Allen Lubin

A transfer who played for UNC last year, he got a chance to beat his former team as NC State routed the Tar Heels.

Caleb Wilson

UNC's star freshman and high-end NBA prospect, he was sidelined by a hand injury and sat on the bench in a protective splint as NC State rolled to victory.

Henri Veesaar

The 7-foot UNC center was also out with a lower-body injury as the Tar Heels were short-handed against their rivals.

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What they’re saying

“I told him lace up next time.”

— Quadir Copeland

“Straight dog.”

— Matt Able, NC State freshman

“I just felt like our competitive fight wasn't there. Especially from a defensive standpoint. They didn't feel us defensively. They didn't feel our presence at all.”

— Hubert Davis, UNC head coach

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.