NC State Seeks First Road Win Against Virginia Tech in ACC Showdown

BLACKSBURG, Va. — The North Carolina State Wolfpack will look to secure their first road win of the season as they face the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on Wednesday night. The game, set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on ESPNU.

NC State (9-7) enters the matchup after a narrow 63-61 loss to North Carolina last Saturday, extending their road game struggles to 0-3 this season. Virginia Tech (7-9), meanwhile, is coming off a 71-68 victory over California, marking their second ACC win of the season.

The Wolfpack are led by Marcus Hill, who has been on a scoring tear, averaging 20 points and nine rebounds in their last outing. However, the team’s lack of cohesion was evident, as they recorded only seven assists, their lowest since January 2024.

Virginia Tech, ranked 14th in the preseason ACC polls, has faced challenges after losing their top four scorers from last season. The Hokies’ roster features key returnees like guard Brandon Rechsteiner and center Mylyjael Poteat, alongside transfers Jaden Schutt (Duke) and Tobi Lawal (VCU). Freshman guard Tyler Johnson rounds out the starting lineup.

The Hokies’ season took an unexpected turn when incoming transfer Hysier Miller was dismissed from the team due to alleged gambling violations during his time at Temple. Miller was expected to be a significant contributor this season.

Statistically, NC State averages 71.8 points per game with a 45.2% field goal percentage, while Virginia Tech scores 70.4 points per game and shoots 44.9% from the field. The Hokies lead the ACC in fewest rebounds allowed, a key factor in their defensive strategy.

Virginia Tech’s big men, Lawal and Poteat, pose a challenge for NC State’s defense. Lawal, a 6’8” forward, averages 12 points and 5.9 rebounds, while Poteat, a 6’9” center, contributes 11 points per game. NC State will need to manage foul trouble and limit Virginia Tech’s three-point shooting, particularly from Duke transfer Jaden Schutt, who averages 7.7 points and takes 5.9 three-point attempts per game.

NC State is favored by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 133 points. The Wolfpack aim to avenge their 84-78 loss to Virginia Tech in January 2024 and break their six-game away losing streak dating back to last season.