Full Breakdown
NC State Wolfpack Faces Off Against Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2/28/2026, 12:16:38 PM
Game Overview
The North Carolina State Wolfpack is set to play against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, February 28, at noon EST. The game will take place at the Joyce Center in South Bend, Indiana. This matchup is significant for both teams, especially given their current standings and recent performances.
Current Team Conditions
Notre Dame is experiencing a challenging season, with leading scorer Markus Burton sidelined for the remainder of the year due to injury. Freshman forward Jalen Haralson, another key player averaging 15.5 points per game, has not played since February 10 due to an ankle injury, leaving his status for the upcoming game uncertain. Other contributors for Notre Dame include guards Cole Certa and Braeden Shrewsberry, averaging 12.1 and 11.6 points per game, respectively.
In contrast, NC State is coming off a loss to the 11th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, where they scored only 61 points, matching their season-low. Paul McNeil, Jr. led the Wolfpack with 22 points in that game. The team has shown a strong three-point shooting capability, ranking second in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and 25th in the NCAA with an average of 10.5 three-pointers made per game.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
NC State currently holds a 10-5 record in the ACC, marking only the fourth time in 35 years that they have achieved this through 15 games. A win against Notre Dame would not only improve their record but also set a program record for the most ACC road wins in a single season. The Wolfpack has been particularly effective on the road, with six ACC road wins this season, the most since the 1973-74 season.
The historical rivalry between NC State and Notre Dame has been competitive, with NC State leading the all-time series 11-10. The last three meetings have been closely contested, with NC State winning by narrow margins, including a 66-65 victory in their last encounter on January 3, 2026.
Key Players to Watch
For NC State, Paul McNeil, Jr. stands out with his impressive three-point shooting, currently leading the ACC with a 42.6 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc. Quadir Copeland has also been pivotal, averaging career highs in multiple categories, including points and assists. Ven-Allen Lubin, a former Notre Dame player, is shooting an impressive 67.6 percent from the field, leading the ACC and on pace to break the program's single-season field goal percentage record.
Notre Dame's performance will heavily depend on the contributions from Certa and Shrewsberry, especially in light of Burton's absence. The effectiveness of their three-point shooting will be crucial in this matchup.
Conclusion
As NC State prepares to face Notre Dame, the stakes are high for both teams. The Wolfpack aims to solidify their position in the ACC standings while Notre Dame seeks to overcome significant player injuries. This game promises to be another chapter in their storied rivalry, with both teams looking to secure a vital win.
