Cavaliers Dominate Wolfpack in 61-90 Rout

NC State struggles to keep up with UVA's hot shooting and stifling defense

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The University of Virginia Cavaliers handily defeated the NC State Wolfpack 61-90 in a rematch of their earlier meeting this season. The Cavaliers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, dominating the Wolfpack on both ends of the floor. UVA shot an impressive 53% from the field and 89% from the free throw line, while also blocking a season-high 12 shots. NC State struggled mightily, shooting just 29% from the field and 27% from three-point range.

Why it matters

This game highlights the growing gap between the top teams in the ACC and the middle-tier programs like NC State. The Wolfpack have struggled to compete with the conference’s elite, raising questions about the direction of their program under head coach Will Wade.

The details

The Cavaliers set the tone early, jumping out to a 15-5 lead in the first half. NC State was unable to find its rhythm, going just 2-for-14 from the field to start the game. UVA extended its lead to as many as 17 points before the Wolfpack were able to cut the deficit to 3. However, the Cavaliers responded with a 14-4 run to close out the half. The second half was more of the same, as UVA pulled away for the dominant 29-point victory.

  • The Cavaliers and Wolfpack previously met in Raleigh earlier this season, with a similar result.
  • In the first half, UVA jumped out to a 15-5 lead and extended it to as many as 17 points before NC State cut the deficit to 3.
  • A double technical foul and ejection occurred at the 17:36 mark of the second half, with the score 28-41 in favor of UVA.

The players

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, who acknowledged that his team is not ready to compete at the top of the ACC right now.

Paul McNeil

The leading scorer for the Wolfpack, finishing with 22 points and 6 rebounds.

Tre Holloman

The NC State point guard, who scored 6 points and dished out 2 assists.

Scottie Ebube

The UVA player who was ejected for coming off the bench and shoving an opposing player during the second half altercation.

Gronloh

The UVA player who blocked a career-high 8 shots in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We're not ready to compete at the top of the league right now, that's just a fact”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack (backingthepack.com)

The takeaway

This lopsided loss to a conference rival highlights the significant work that NC State's program still needs to do in order to consistently compete with the top teams in the ACC. The Wolfpack's struggles to keep pace with the Cavaliers’ firepower and defensive intensity raise doubts about their ability to make a deep postseason run this year.