Notre Dame Tops NC State in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Purcell Pavilion
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 96, NC State Wolfpack 90, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won NC State Wolfpack vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat NC State Wolfpack 96-90 at Purcell Pavilion on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in NC State Wolfpack vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling contest at Purcell Pavilion, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish edged out the NC State Wolfpack with a final score of 96-90 after overtime. This game was significant not only for the nail-biting finish but also for the contrasting seasons of both teams. Notre Dame, with a home record of 13-16, has struggled throughout the season, while NC State, boasting a record of 19-10, has shown stronger form.
Recent form highlights the disparity between the two teams. Notre Dame entered the game with a record of 2-8 over their last ten outings, currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 74.4 points scored while allowing 83.5 points per game during this stretch. Their last game was a heavy loss to the Duke Blue Devils, where they fell 56-100. In contrast, NC State had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, though they were coming off a loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, 61-90. The Wolfpack averaged 80.7 points scored and allowed 79.3 points per game during their recent stretch.
At home, Notre Dame has recorded a 2-3 record in their last five games, while they have struggled significantly on the road, going 0-5. NC State, on the other hand, has been more successful away from home with a 4-2 record in their recent away games, contributing to their overall success this season.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, where NC State narrowly defeated Notre Dame 66-65. This history added an extra layer of anticipation to their rematch. In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either side, indicating both teams were likely at full strength for this crucial matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had NC State favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 153.5. The odds reflected the expectations of a competitive game, though the outcome proved to be much closer than anticipated.
Conditions in Purcell Pavilion were typical for a late February game, with fans eager to support their home team. The atmosphere was electric, contributing to the intensity of the matchup.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle that showcased the resilience of both teams. Key moments included clutch free throws and critical three-point shots that kept the score tight throughout regulation and into overtime. The final period saw Notre Dame pull ahead, with Cole Certa making a significant three-pointer and converting free throws that ultimately sealed their victory.
In summary, Notre Dame's victory over NC State in overtime was a testament to their determination and ability to perform under pressure, while NC State will look to regroup after a hard-fought battle.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -6.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | NC State Wolfpack -305 · Notre Dame Fighting Irish +245 |
Leaders
- PointsCole Certa32Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- AssistsBraeden Shrewsberry3Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- ReboundsJalen Haralson9Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- PointsVen-Allen Lubin24NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsQuadir Copeland9NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsVen-Allen Lubin10NC State Wolfpack
Recent form
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Last 10: 2-8Streak L274.4 scored · 83.5 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L56-100vs Duke Blue DevilsFeb 25
- L68-73at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 21
- W89-74vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 14
- L81-89at SMU MustangsFeb 11
- L79-82vs Florida State SeminolesFeb 7
- L65-76at Louisville CardinalsFeb 5
- L72-86at Syracuse OrangeJan 31
- L97-100vs Virginia CavaliersJan 28
- W68-64vs Boston College EaglesJan 24
- L69-91at North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 22
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 7-3Streak L180.7 scored · 79.3 allowed per game4-2 away
- L61-90at Virginia CavaliersFeb 25
- W82-58vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 18
- L76-77vs Miami HurricanesFeb 14
- L77-118at Louisville CardinalsFeb 10
- W82-73vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 7
- W84-83at SMU MustangsFeb 4
- W96-78at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 31
- W88-68vs Syracuse OrangeJan 28
- W81-72at Pittsburgh PanthersJan 24
- W80-76at Clemson TigersJan 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | NC State Wolfpack | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-67 | 31-59 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 10-34 | 12-25 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 48 |
| Free throws | 18-22 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 27 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 36 |
| Fouls | 21 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 86 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half66-61Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Quadir Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Jalen Haralson makes layup
- 2nd Half69-63Terrance Arceneaux makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-64Jalen Haralson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Jalen Haralson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-65Terrance Arceneaux makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Terrance Arceneaux makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-67Jalen Haralson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-68Jalen Haralson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Jalen Haralson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Quadir Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half77-69Ven-Allen Lubin makes layup (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half77-70Braeden Shrewsberry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-70Darrion Williams makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-71Cole Certa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Cole Certa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-74Jalen Haralson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-74Darrion Williams makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half81-76Jalen Haralson makes layup
- 2nd Half81-79Braeden Shrewsberry makes 24-foot three point jumper (Logan Imes assists)
- 2nd Half81-80Jalen Haralson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-81Jalen Haralson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT81-84Cole Certa makes 23-foot three point jumper (Logan Imes assists)
- OT84-84Paul McNeil Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- OT84-87Cole Certa makes 30-foot three point jumper (Braeden Shrewsberry assists)
- OT84-88Cole Certa makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT86-88Darrion Williams makes driving layup
- OT86-89Jalen Haralson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT86-90Jalen Haralson makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-90Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT88-90Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT88-93Cole Certa makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Haralson assists)
- OT88-94Jalen Haralson makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT89-94Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT90-94Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT90-95Cole Certa makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT90-96Cole Certa makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Notre Dame Fighting Irish, below favours NC State Wolfpack.
Venue
- Purcell PavilionSouth Bend, IN
- Attendance6446
- OfficialsA.J. Desai, Jemel Spearman, Jeff Pon
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Notre Dame Dominates NC State in Convincing WinOct 11, 2025