ACC Roundup: NC State Soars, Virginia Survives, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech Falter

Tuesday's ACC action saw some big wins and close calls, with NC State dominating Syracuse and Virginia needing double overtime to top Notre Dame.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:31am

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In Tuesday's ACC basketball action, NC State cruised past Syracuse 88-68, while Virginia needed double overtime to edge Notre Dame 100-97. Wake Forest fell to Pitt 80-76 in overtime, and Georgia Tech lost to Virginia Tech 71-65. The results highlighted the strengths of some teams and the struggles of others in the competitive ACC conference.

Why it matters

The ACC is one of the premier college basketball conferences, and these results will impact the standings and tournament seeding as the season progresses. NC State's dominant win over Syracuse shows the Pack's potential, while Virginia's close call against Notre Dame raises questions about the Cavaliers' form. Wake Forest and Georgia Tech's losses demonstrate the parity in the conference, where any team can beat another on a given night.

The details

NC State shot 51% from the field and dominated the boards 45-33 in their win over Syracuse. Donnie Freeman led the Orange with 24 points and 10 rebounds, but the Pack got big games from Darrion Williams (23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ven-Allen Lubin (18 points, 9 rebounds). Virginia needed double overtime to edge Notre Dame 100-97, with Thijs De Ridder scoring 32 points and making 14-15 free throws for the Cavaliers. Pitt came back from an early deficit to beat Wake Forest 80-76 in overtime, led by Juke Harris' 17 points. Virginia Tech used hot shooting from three-point range and the free throw line to defeat Georgia Tech 71-65.

  • Tuesday's ACC action took place on January 28, 2026.

The players

Donnie Freeman

A player for Syracuse who led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds in their loss to NC State.

Darrion Williams

An NC State player who had 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win over Syracuse.

Thijs De Ridder

A Virginia player who scored 32 points and made 14-15 free throws in the Cavaliers' double-overtime win against Notre Dame.

Juke Harris

A Pitt player who scored 17 points in the Panthers' overtime win against Wake Forest.

Ben Hammonds

A Virginia Tech player who scored 20 points in the Hokies' win over Georgia Tech.

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The takeaway

The ACC continues to be a highly competitive conference, with teams like NC State and Virginia showing their potential, while others like Wake Forest and Georgia Tech struggle to find consistency. These results will shape the conference standings and tournament seeding as the season progresses.