NC State Triumphs Over Pittsburgh in ACC Tournament
In a pivotal matchup, NC State defeated Pittsburgh 98-88 in the second round of the ACC Tournament, a victory that significantly bolstered their NCAA Tournament resume. This win was crucial for NC State, which had entered the tournament needing a victory after suffering four consecutive losses.
Quadir Copeland led NC State with a team-high 24 points, showcasing his determination to turn the team’s fortunes around. His sentiment was echoed by head coach Will Wade, who emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “There would probably be no next week if we lost today, so this was important or we would have been in real trouble for next week.”
NC State’s performance was marked by impressive shooting, as they shot over 60% from the field and made 13 of their 23 three-point attempts. This offensive efficiency was critical in overcoming Pittsburgh, which had a strong showing with Cameron Corhen scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
The victory not only allowed NC State to advance but also extended their winning streak in the ACC Tournament to six games. They will now face the No. 2 seed Virginia in the quarterfinals, a challenge that will test their momentum further.
Pittsburgh, despite the loss, demonstrated their shooting prowess by making a season-high 12 three-pointers during the game. However, their efforts fell short against a revitalized NC State squad.
NC State currently ranks No. 35 in the NET rankings, and this win may help solidify their position as they aim for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Wade expressed confidence in his team’s chances, noting, “I know teams with our profile make it about 90 percent of the time, so I would feel pretty good.”
The all-time series between the two teams now stands at 14 wins for NC State against 5 losses to Pittsburgh, further establishing their dominance in this matchup.
As the tournament progresses, NC State’s next game against Virginia will be crucial in determining their path forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their winning momentum.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or lineup changes ahead of the quarterfinals.
