NC State Triumphs Over Pittsburgh in ACC Tournament
In a pivotal matchup, the NC State Wolfpack defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 98-88 in the second round of the ACC Tournament, a victory that significantly bolsters NC State’s NCAA Tournament resume.
Entering the tournament, NC State was in dire need of a win, having lost four consecutive games. This victory not only halted their losing streak but also provided a much-needed boost to their confidence as they aim for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Quadir Copeland led NC State 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.”
On the other side, Cameron Corhen was a standout for Pittsburgh, scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Despite his efforts, Pittsburgh could not secure the win, which leaves them with uncertainties about their postseason prospects.
NC State’s performance was marked by impressive shooting, as they made over 60% of their field goal attempts and converted 13 of 23 three-point shots. This offensive efficiency was crucial in securing their victory.
With this win, NC State will now face the No. 2 seed Virginia in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. They have now won six straight games in the ACC Tournament, a streak that highlights their resilience and ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
Historically, NC State leads the all-time series against Pittsburgh with 14 wins to 5 losses, further emphasizing their dominance in this matchup.
As NC State looks ahead, Coach Will Wade expressed the significance 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.” This sentiment underscores the high stakes involved in tournament play.
NC State currently holds a NET ranking of 35, which places them in a favorable position for NCAA Tournament consideration. However, the path forward remains challenging as they prepare for Virginia.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Pittsburgh’s potential path to the NCAA Tournament, as their recent performance raises questions about their postseason viability.
