No. 11 Virginia Hosts NC State in Key ACC Matchup

Cavaliers look to extend win streak to 9 games as they take on the Wolfpack at home

Feb. 24, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers host the NC State Wolfpack in a key ACC men's basketball matchup tonight. Virginia is riding an 8-game winning streak and is looking to solidify its position in the conference standings ahead of a showdown with No. 1 Duke later this week. The Cavaliers defeated NC State 76-61 in their previous meeting this season.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for Virginia as they continue their push towards the ACC regular season title. A win over NC State would give the Cavaliers momentum heading into their highly anticipated matchup with Duke, which could have major implications for the conference championship race.

The details

Virginia defeated NC State 76-61 on January 3rd, led by a career-high 23 points from Sam Lewis. The Cavaliers have won 8 straight games and are 13-1 at home this season. They are averaging 82 points per game, their highest scoring output since the 2000-01 season. NC State will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to Virginia and pull off the road upset.

  • The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Virginia defeated NC State 76-61 in their previous meeting on January 3, 2026.

The players

Sam Lewis

A senior guard for Virginia who matched a career-high with 23 points in the previous meeting with NC State.

Quadir Copeland

A junior guard for NC State who led the Wolfpack with 15 points in the earlier loss to Virginia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

After facing NC State, Virginia will travel to Durham to take on No. 1 Duke on Saturday, February 28th. That game could have major implications for the ACC regular season title.

The takeaway

Virginia is in the midst of a strong season and has a chance to solidify its position atop the ACC standings with a win over NC State. The Cavaliers' high-powered offense will be tested against the Wolfpack, but a victory would give them momentum heading into their showdown with Duke.