NC State Trounces Rival North Carolina 82-58

Wolfpack dominates injury-depleted Tar Heels in lopsided ACC matchup

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In a lopsided ACC rivalry matchup, NC State defeated 16th-ranked North Carolina 82-58 on Tuesday night. The Wolfpack were led by Quadir Copeland's 20 points and stifling defense that held the Tar Heels to just 31.7% shooting from the field. NC State built a 16-point halftime lead and never looked back, handing UNC its second straight loss with star players Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar sidelined by injuries.

Why it matters

This victory is a major boost for an NC State team that was reeling after recent losses, helping solidify their NCAA Tournament hopes. For North Carolina, the injury-depleted loss raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level without two of their top players.

The details

NC State shot a blistering 53.1% from the field and dominated the Tar Heels on both ends of the floor. Freshman Matt Able added 19 points for the Wolfpack, while Darrion Williams chipped in 13 points despite a scary first-half fall that required stitches. For North Carolina, Jarin Stevenson and Zayden High each scored 13 points, but the team struggled mightily from 3-point range, missing 17 of their first 18 attempts.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Quadir Copeland

A key player for NC State, scoring 20 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists in the victory.

Matt Able

A freshman who added 19 points for the Wolfpack in the win.

Jarin Stevenson

One of North Carolina's top scorers, tallying 13 points in the loss.

Zayden High

Also scored 13 points for the injury-depleted Tar Heels.

Caleb Wilson

North Carolina's top scorer and rebounder, sidelined with a fractured hand.

Henri Veesaar

The Tar Heels' starting center, out with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We desperately needed this win to regroup after a tough stretch. The guys came out focused and executed the game plan perfectly.”

— Will Wade, NC State Head Coach

“Losing Caleb and Henri was a big blow, and we just couldn't find our rhythm without them. Credit to NC State, they really took it to us tonight.”

— Hubert Davis, North Carolina Head Coach

What’s next

North Carolina will look to bounce back on Saturday when they visit Syracuse, while NC State hosts 14th-ranked Virginia next Tuesday.

The takeaway

This lopsided rivalry win is a major confidence boost for an NC State team fighting for its NCAA Tournament life, while the injury-depleted loss raises serious questions about North Carolina's ability to compete at the highest level without two of their top players.