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No. 24 Louisville, NC State Seek ACC Wins to Bolster Tournament Resumes
Both teams are averaging over 85 points per game as they vie for position in the ACC standings.
Feb. 8, 2026 at 11:55pm
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No. 24 Louisville and NC State, two of the hottest teams in the ACC, will face off on Monday in a key conference matchup. Both teams are averaging over 85 points per game and are looking to solidify their NCAA Tournament resumes with a win. Louisville has won three straight after a rough stretch, while NC State has won six in a row. The game features a clash of two high-powered offenses as both teams aim to keep pace in the tight ACC race.
Why it matters
This game is crucial for both teams' NCAA Tournament hopes. Louisville is looking to make up ground after a midseason slump, while NC State is trying to cement its status as an at-large bid contender. The winner will take a big step forward in the ACC standings and improve its position for the postseason.
The details
Louisville is led by point guard Mikel Brown Jr., who has returned from injury to help the Cardinals win three straight. They had six players score in double figures in their last game, a narrow win over Wake Forest. NC State, meanwhile, has been one of the nation's best 3-point shooting teams, led by the duo of Paul McNeil Jr. and Tre Holloman. The Wolfpack jumped out to a big early lead against Virginia Tech but had to hold off a late rally to secure the victory.
- The game will be played on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The players
Mikel Brown Jr.
The starting point guard for Louisville who missed time earlier this season due to a back injury but has returned to help the Cardinals win three straight games.
Paul McNeil Jr.
One of NC State's leading scorers, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting 42.9% from 3-point range.
Tre Holloman
NC State's other sharpshooting guard who combined with McNeil to hit seven 3-pointers in the Wolfpack's last game against Virginia Tech.
What they’re saying
“Our guys had the wherewithal to flip the switch and get stops and rebounds down the stretch. I felt like it was a phenomenal team win.”
— Pat Kelsey, Louisville Head Coach
“They limited our (3-point) attempts. But our best 3-point offense was in transition. It got us going in transition.”
— Will Wade, NC State Head Coach
What’s next
The winner of this game will take a big step forward in the ACC standings and improve its position for the NCAA Tournament. Both teams will continue their conference schedules in the coming weeks as they look to solidify their resumes.
The takeaway
This matchup between two of the ACC's hottest teams is a crucial one for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Louisville is looking to build momentum after a midseason slump, while NC State is trying to cement its status as an at-large bid contender. Whichever team can come away with the victory will have a significant boost to its postseason resume.
