WATCH: Full-Game Highlight Reel from NC State’s 81-72 win over Pitt

NC State had to work for it vs. Pitt on Saturday, but the Wolfpack did enough late to pull away from Pitt and leave with an 81–72 road win. The game was physical and fairly even for most of the afternoon, with neither team able to fully take control. Pitt hung around by battling on the glass and making NC State earn everything in the half-court, keeping the crowd engaged well into the second half.

The difference came down the stretch when NC State settled in and executed. Quadir Copeland was the steady hand all game, finishing with 20 points on efficient shooting while also dishing out nine assists. He controlled the tempo late and made the right reads when Pitt tried to speed things up. Ven-Allen Lubin was a force inside, posting a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Paul McNeil Jr. provided a big boost from the perimeter by knocking down five threes on his way to 15 points.

Pitt got a strong effort from Roman Siulepa, who finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks, but the Panthers struggled to keep pace once NC State found another gear. The Wolfpack’s ability to close on the road was the key takeaway, turning a tight, gritty game into a solid conference win that looked more comfortable on the scoreboard than it felt for much of the day.

Here are the full highlights with the box score below.