Full Breakdown
NC State Men's Basketball Secures Victory Over VCU, Remains Undefeated
11/18/2025, 2:28:50 PM
NC State's Strong Start and Ranking
The NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team has made a significant impact in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, achieving a ranking of No. 25 in the Associated Press Poll after a perfect start of 4-0. This marks the first time the Wolfpack has been ranked since the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, following a remarkable run to the Final Four. Under the leadership of head coach Will Wade, who previously coached VCU, the Wolfpack has demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 106 points per game and securing three decisive victories by over 20 points each against NC Central, UAB, and UNC Greensboro.
Key Game Against VCU
On November 17, 2025, NC State faced its first significant challenge of the season against VCU, a team Wade previously led. The matchup proved to be a tightly contested affair, with NC State ultimately prevailing 85-79. Darrion Williams, the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, led the Wolfpack with 28 points, while Tre Holloman contributed a career-high 25 points, including crucial free throws in the closing moments. Despite committing 17 turnovers, the Wolfpack's late-game execution and free-throw shooting were pivotal in securing the win.
Performance Highlights
Darrion Williams showcased his scoring ability early in the game, scoring 17 points in the first half. Holloman's performance was particularly noteworthy as he scored 16 of his points in the second half, demonstrating resilience after a previous ejection in an earlier game. The Wolfpack's ability to draw fouls allowed them to capitalize at the free-throw line, where they shot 22-of-27 in the second half. However, the team struggled with rebounding, allowing VCU to secure 12 offensive rebounds, which kept the game competitive.
Official Statements & Responses
Will Wade acknowledged the challenges posed by VCU, emphasizing the importance of playing strong opponents to build a competitive resume. He stated, “It makes sense to play good teams... They’re as good as many teams in our league.” Wade also noted the need for improvement, particularly in reducing turnovers, saying, “You can’t turn the ball over seventeen times. We were very fortunate to win.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, concerns were raised regarding NC State's rebounding and turnover issues. Critics pointed out that the Wolfpack's performance could be unsustainable against tougher competition, especially with the upcoming Maui Invitational featuring teams like Seton Hall and potential matchups against USC or Texas.
What's Next
Looking ahead, NC State will participate in the Maui Invitational, where they will face Seton Hall in the opening round. This tournament presents an opportunity for the Wolfpack to further solidify their standing in the national rankings and test their mettle against high-caliber opponents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were very fortunate to win.” — Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State
- “They're as good as many teams in our league.” — Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State
- “We’ve got to cut down on some of the turnovers,” — Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State
As the season progresses, NC State aims to build on its strong start and address the areas needing improvement to maintain its competitive edge in the ACC and beyond.
