NC State Demolishes #16 UNC by 24 – Largest Margin in the Rivalry Since 1962

NC State didn’t just beat rival #16 UNC on Tuesday night.

They buried them.

The Wolfpack rolled 82-58 inside a roaring Lenovo Center, improving to 19-8 overall and 10-4 in ACC play. And yes, the Tar Heels were without Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar – a frontcourt duo that averages 36.2 points and 18.4 rebounds combined.

But you know what?

I don’t freaking care.

This was domination from the opening tip.

Historic Margin

The 24-point win is the largest margin of victory in the rivalry since 1962, when NC State defeated UNC 85-57 in Reynolds Coliseum.

Let that sink in.

Sixty-three years.

Shooting Clinic vs. Shooting Struggle

UNC simply couldn’t buy a shot.

• 31.7% from the field
• 15.2% from three

Meanwhile, NC State was efficient, especially from long range.

• 48.4% from the field
• 45% from deep

Quadir Copeland Owned the Night

Senior guard Quadir Copeland controlled the game and made sure everyone knew it.

20 points
7 assists
4 steals
0 turnovers

Zero.

He set the tone emotionally and statistically. This was his stage.

Matt Able’s Coming Out Party

Freshman Matt Able is arriving in real time.

After dropping a career-high 17 on Saturday against Miami, he topped it with 19 points against UNC, drilling 5 of 7 from three.

Confidence is growing. This is why NBA scouts show up to watch him.

Supporting Cast Delivered

Darrion Williams, Ven-Allen Lubin and Paul McNeil Jr. all finished in double figures.

• Williams scored 13 points, going 6 of 10 from the field despite taking a nasty fall that required stitches around his left eye. He returned and didn’t miss a beat.
• Lubin, facing his former team, was efficient as always — 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting.
• McNeil Jr. quietly added 10 points, hitting 2 of 4 from deep. He’s now shooting 43.7% from three on the season, still leading the ACC.

Clean, Disciplined Basketball

NC State committed just four turnovers, tying a season low.

They were:

+13 in points off turnovers
+5 in second-chance points

What’s Next

The Wolfpack picked up their second Top-25 win of the season and now head to Charlottesville next Tuesday for a chance at a third against #14 Virginia.

Box Score