Tar Heels Suffer 24-Point Loss at NC State

UNC struggles in the paint and from 3-point range in ACC matchup

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The North Carolina Tar Heels were soundly defeated by the NC State Wolfpack, 82-58, in an ACC matchup on Tuesday night. The Tar Heels were outmatched in the paint, where NC State scored 40 points, and struggled mightily from 3-point range, shooting just 5-for-33 (15.2%) for the game.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for the Tar Heels, who were looking to build momentum in ACC play. The team's inability to defend the paint and knock down outside shots will be concerning for head coach Hubert Davis as he tries to get his squad back on track.

The details

NC State dominated the paint, scoring 24 points there by halftime and finishing with 40 for the game. Meanwhile, UNC could not find its shooting touch, going 1-for-18 from 3-point range to start the game and ending up just 5-for-33 (15.2%) from deep. Zayden High and Jarin Stevenson led the Tar Heels with 13 points each in the losing effort.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The players

Zayden High

A player for the North Carolina Tar Heels who scored 13 points in the loss.

Jarin Stevenson

A player for the North Carolina Tar Heels who scored 13 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Tar Heels' struggles on both ends of the floor, as they were unable to defend the paint or knock down outside shots. Coach Hubert Davis will need to address these issues as UNC looks to bounce back in ACC play.