NC State Triumphs Over Pittsburgh in ACC Tournament
In a pivotal second-round matchup of the ACC Tournament, NC State defeated Pittsburgh 98-88, significantly enhancing their NCAA Tournament resume. This victory was crucial for NC State, who entered the game needing a win after suffering four consecutive losses.
Quadir Copeland led the Wolfpack with a team-high 24 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His determination was echoed in his statement, “This is our last shot. Let’s go make something happen. We ain’t going to get none of those moments back.”
Pittsburgh’s Cameron Corhen also had an impressive performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Panthers could not secure the win, which would have bolstered their own tournament aspirations.
NC State’s shooting was particularly noteworthy, as they shot over 60% from the field and made 13 of their 23 three-point attempts. This offensive efficiency was a key factor in their success against Pittsburgh, who managed to hit a season-high 12 three-pointers but fell short in the end.
With this victory, NC State has now won six straight ACC Tournament games, demonstrating their resilience and capability in high-stakes situations. They will face No. 2 seed Virginia in the quarterfinals, a matchup that will further test their tournament mettle.
NC State’s current NET ranking stands at No. 35, which places them in a competitive position as they look to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Will Wade emphasized the importance of this win, 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.”
The Wolfpack’s historical dominance over Pittsburgh continues, as they lead the all-time series with 14 wins to 5 losses. This victory not only adds to that record but also reinforces their standing in the conference.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise. NC State’s performance against Virginia will be critical in determining their fate in the NCAA Tournament. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the implications of this victory on their overall tournament strategy.