UNC and NC State Face Off in Heated ACC Rivalry Game

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and North Carolina State Wolfpack will meet this Saturday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, marking their first matchup since the 2024 ACC Tournament championship game. Both teams, struggling to find consistency this season, aim to build momentum in this highly anticipated rivalry game. The Tar Heels (10-6, 3-1 ACC) and Wolfpack (9-6, 2-2) will tip off at 4 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on the ACC Network.

UNC holds a historical edge at the Lenovo Center, boasting a 19-6 record against NC State in Raleigh. However, the teams have split their last four meetings at the venue, adding intrigue to this weekend’s clash. The Tar Heels won two of three matchups last season, including a decisive victory in the ACC Tournament, where fifth-year guard RJ Davis scored 30 points.

Davis, playing his final game at NC State, has been a key figure in this rivalry, averaging 15.2 points in nine career games against the Wolfpack. He is coming off a 26-point performance against SMU, showcasing his efficiency and leadership. Meanwhile, NC State senior Dontrez Styles, a former Tar Heel, will face his old team for the first time. Styles has been a consistent performer for the Wolfpack, averaging 10.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his last two games.

Both teams have struggled defensively this season, with a combined 6-12 record against high-major opponents. Opponents have shot an average of 48.6% in those losses, highlighting the defensive challenges for both squads. However, each team is coming off its best defensive performance of the season, suggesting potential for a tightly contested game.

UNC freshman Drake Powell, one of the Tar Heels’ top two-way players, will likely match up against Styles. Powell is coming off a 17-point game against SMU and will be crucial in containing NC State’s offense. The Wolfpack, known for their defensive intensity, particularly against backcourts, will look to disrupt UNC’s rhythm.

Off the court, the rivalry remains as intense as ever. NC State fans have long harbored resentment toward UNC, often referring to the Tar Heels as “little brother.” This sentiment was evident during UNC’s academic scandal, when NC State fans uncovered Julius Peppers’ transcripts and exposed Michael McAdoo’s plagiarism, which ultimately derailed his lawsuit against the NCAA.

With both teams seeking to solidify their standings in the ACC, Saturday’s game promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition. The Tar Heels, led by Davis and Powell, are favored to edge out the Wolfpack in a close contest, but NC State’s defensive prowess and home-court advantage could prove decisive.