NC State Wolfpack Aim for Sweet 16 in March Madness

Wolfpack's 3-point shooting prowess could lead to deep tournament run, but quick turnaround and tough opponents pose challenges.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:19am

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NC State basketball is back in the NCAA Tournament after a one-year absence, looking to replicate its magical 2024 Final Four run. As an 11-seed in the West Region, the Wolfpack must first get past Texas in the First Four before a quick turnaround to face BYU and potentially Gonzaga. NC State's elite 3-point shooting could power another deep March Madness run, but the team's recent late-season struggles and challenging path ahead make their Sweet 16 hopes uncertain.

Why it matters

NC State has a chance to build on its recent March Madness success, but the Wolfpack face a daunting path to the Sweet 16 that could test their legs and depth. A return to the second weekend of the tournament would continue the program's resurgence under coach Will Wade and further cement the team's status as a rising power in college basketball.

The details

NC State is one of the nation's top 3-point shooting teams, ranking 11th in the country at 38.8% from deep. The Wolfpack have hit a school-record 342 3-pointers this season, led by sharpshooters Paul McNeil Jr., Darrion Williams, and Tre Holloman. However, NC State has lost five of its last six games heading into the tournament, raising questions about the team's momentum and ability to make another deep run. After facing Texas in the First Four, the Wolfpack would have less than 48 hours to prepare for a matchup with a tough BYU squad, followed by a potential showdown with the stifling defense of Gonzaga.

  • NC State will face Texas in the First Four on March 16 at 9:15 p.m. ET.
  • If NC State advances, it will play BYU on March 18 at 7:25 p.m. ET in Portland, Oregon.
  • A potential matchup with Gonzaga would take place on March 20.

The players

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, who has previous NCAA Tournament experience with VCU, LSU, and McNeese State.

Paul McNeil Jr.

NC State's leading 3-point shooter, connecting on nearly 43% of his attempts from deep this season.

A.J. Dybantsa

The star player for BYU, one of the nation's most efficient offensive teams that NC State could face in the second round.

Dailyn Swain

The standout player for Texas, NC State's First Four opponent, who the Wolfpack faced earlier this season at the Maui Invitational.

Matt Able

A freshman sharpshooter for NC State who has made 49 3-pointers this season, providing a valuable scoring punch off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for a tough, up-and-down game against Texas. If we can get past them, the quick turnaround to face BYU will be a major challenge.”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack

“NC State's 3-point shooting is elite, and they have the firepower to make a deep run. But the path they face is daunting, and they'll need to dig deep to reach the Sweet 16.”

— Joe L Hughes II, Sports Writer

What’s next

If NC State can get past Texas in the First Four, its second-round matchup with BYU on March 18 will be a crucial test, with the winner potentially facing Gonzaga two days later.

The takeaway

NC State has the offensive firepower to make another March Madness run, but the Wolfpack's recent struggles and daunting path ahead, including a quick turnaround and matchups with efficient offensive teams, make their Sweet 16 hopes uncertain. The team's 3-point shooting prowess could propel them, but they'll need to dig deep to overcome the challenges in their way.