Miami beat UNC last night, what does this mean for the Wolfpack (who will face both teams within a week)?

Some of you are ACC basketball heads, and obviously saw Miami upset UNC last night. Others have NC State tunnel-vision and may not be aware.

Either way, I thought it would be a good idea to talk a little bit about this game and what its outcome means for us (seeing as these are our next two opponents).

First off, NC State better not sleep on Miami

Miami is no slouch. They are just .5 games behind the Wolfpack in the ACC standings, and they just knocked off the Carolina team that just took down Duke.

Miami was just more physical than UNC, and I think that’s really the takeaway for the Wolfpack. This is going to be a game where your toughness is challenged.

For NC State, this game against Miami on Saturday is coming at a good time.

The Pack was just manhandled by a much more physical Louisville team, and you can bet that Will Wade is going to make toughness a priority during this week of practice.

Speaking of practice, NC State has 4 days off between the Louisville game and the Miami game. This gives them a chance to watch film, recharge, and get their mindset back in order for Saturday.

As for Miami, they’re probably feeling pretty good about their win over UNC, and I’m not saying they’re going to be overconfident coming into this one, but as State fans know good and well, it’s a lot more possible after a win like that.

Now, as for their personnel, between Shelton Henderson and Malik Reneau, the Hurricanes have some very versatile and physical guys.

But NC State has actually fared well against teams like these. Teams that might be strong inside the arc, but struggle from long range.

Miami only shot 23% from 3pt range vs. UNC and ranks 13th in the ACC in 3pt %, hitting just 34% of their tries.

UNC saved by the refs against Duke, just got exposed at Miami

UNC was only called for 1 fould in the entire second half of their game against Duke.

I’m not saying that had anything to do with the outcome of that game, but I’m not saying it didn’t either.

But in a game much more evenly called vs. Miami, they got exposed.

Miami was allowed to play more physical against Caleb Wilson, and that really took him out of his game. Meanwhile, they shot just 40% from the floor and 30% from outside, leading to the loss.

UNC is now 7th in the ACC, 1 game back of the Wolfpack with a very tough close to their season (State, Clemson, Louisville, Duke).

UNC is certainly going to make a statement vs. Pitt (and the refs might be out to make a statement as well 😂), so it’s good State doesn’t get them next. Let’s let them beat up on Pitt before we welcome them to Raleigh.

All jokes aside, the matchup with UNC should be a great one. These are two teams that are almost idental in the advanced metrics.

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— Wolfpack Stats (@ncstatestats) February 11, 2026