UNC and NC State Prepare for Key ACC Showdown

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels are set to face the North Carolina State University (NC State) Wolfpack in a crucial Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup on February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The Tar Heels enter the game with a record of 20-5 overall and 8-4 in the ACC, while the Wolfpack holds an 18-8 overall record and is 9-4 in conference play.

247Sports

UNC will be without its leading scorer and rebounder, freshman forward Caleb Wilson, who is sidelined due to a hand injury sustained earlier this month. Wilson averages 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, second-leading scorer Henri Veesaar is questionable for the matchup after missing the previous game. Despite these absences, the Tar Heels recently secured a 79-65 victory over Pittsburgh, with junior forward Jarin Stevenson and sophomore forward Zayden High stepping up to score 19 and 15 points, respectively.

247Sports247Sports

NC State is looking to rebound after two consecutive losses, including a 77-76 defeat to Miami, where they squandered a late lead. The Wolfpack's recent struggles have been marked by defensive lapses, notably allowing 118 points in a loss to Louisville. However, NC State has shown offensive prowess this season, averaging 85.0 points per game, ranking third in the ACC and 25th in the NCAA.

247Sports

For NC State, Ven-Allen Lubin has emerged as a significant contributor, averaging 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while leading the ACC in field goal percentage at 68.4%. Quadir Copeland, who leads the ACC in assists per game with 6.8, is also a player to watch. His recent performances include a career-high 16 assists in a game against SMU, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

247Sports247Sports

Both teams excel in valuing possessions, with UNC leading the ACC in turnovers per game (9.3) and NC State closely following with an average of 9.7. The Tar Heels also boast an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.81, ranking eighth in the NCAA, while the Wolfpack's ratio of 1.69 is on pace to set a program record.

247Sports

This matchup marks the 250th all-time meeting between the two programs, with UNC leading the series 168-81. Notably, this is the only regular-season meeting between the teams this year, a departure from the traditional home-and-home format established since the formation of the ACC in 1953.

247Sports

Both teams are aware of the significance of this rivalry game. NC State's coaching staff has emphasized the need to improve defensive consistency, while UNC's players are focused on stepping up in the absence of key contributors.

247Sports

Following this game, both teams will continue their ACC schedules, with implications for postseason positioning on the line. The outcome of this matchup could significantly impact their standings in the conference as they head toward the ACC Tournament.

247Sports