No. 10 Virginia has beaten NC State twice this season by a combined 73 points. In the ACC tournament quarterfinals, the Wolfpack hope their recent offensive explosion against Pitt signals a formula to upset the Cavaliers and solidify their NCAA tournament case.
The Stakes: Beyond a Simple Sweep
For No. 10 Virginia Cavaliers (27-4), Thursday’s ACC tournament quarterfinal against NC State Wolfpack (20-12) is a chance to complete a three-game season sweep and advance to the semifinals. But for the Wolfpack, it’s a fight for survival—in the NCAA tournament conversation.
Virginia’s two wins this season were lopsided: 76-61 in Raleigh and 90-61 in Charlottesville. Sam Lewis torched NC State for 39 total points in those two games. Field Level Media reported that Wolfpack coach Will Wade bluntly assessed his team’s performance: “We’ve gotten our doors blown off twice by Virginia.”
An NC State victory would not only avenge those losses but also serve as a massive resume-builder for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. A loss could leave the Wolfpack on the outside looking in.
Virginia’s Recent Wobbles Amidst Overall Dominance
Despite their impressive 27-4 record, the Cavaliers have shown cracks in their armor. Since the calendar turned to 2026, they’ve lost only two games, but both of their last three outings were closer than expected: a 75-70 win at Wake Forest and a 76-72 victory over Virginia Tech, followed by a lopsided defeat at top-ranked Duke.
Virginia’s success hinges on their star Thijs De Ridder, an All-ACC first-team selection averaging 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 51.3% from the field. Defensive anchor Ugonna Onyenso earned All-ACC defensive team honors, and the Cavaliers as a whole have embraced a culture of sacrifice, according to coach Ryan Odom.
“There’s going to be a common theme of sacrifice throughout (a season),” Odom noted. “The individuals on this team have done a really good job of sacrificing a bit of themselves for the greater good of the team.”Field Level Media
NC State’s Offensive Breakthrough
The Wolfpack breathed easy with a 98-88 win over Pitt in the ACC tournament’s second round, snapping a four-game losing streak. Six NC State players scored in double figures, led by Quadir Copeland‘s 24 points.
Copeland credited his teammates’ trust: “I got teammates that trust me, and we just went with it. It allowed me to open up more shots also for my teammates, then we got our threes going.”
That offensive firepower is precisely what NC State lacked in their two losses to Virginia. Wade pointed to a critical issue: “They’ve blocked a ton of our shots in both games.” If the Wolfpack can’t get cleaner looks at the rim, Virginia’s length could smother them again.
Historical Context and Fan Theories
The all-time ACC tournament series between these two programs is lopsided: Virginia holds a mere 3-15 edge against NC State. That history suggests the Wolfpack are due for a tournament victory, but recent results tell a different story.
Fans are debating whether NC State’s new offensive approach is sustainable against a disciplined Virginia defense. The Cavaliers have won 15 of their last 17 games, but their two recent close calls have raised questions about their resilience when forced into a track meet.
This is also a personal milestone for both coaches: Odom’s first ACC tournament game as Virginia’s head coach, and Wade’s first postseason victory with NC State. The pressure is immense.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond De Ridder and Copeland, keep an eye on:
- Sam Lewis (Virginia): Scored 39 points in two games vs NC State.
- Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia): Defensive anchor, All-ACC defensive team.
- Other NC State scorers from the Pitt game: six players in double figures, showing balanced attack.
The Spectrum Center in Charlotte will host the game, a venue where Virginia defeated Dayton earlier this season.
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