NC State Wolfpack Defeats Pittsburgh Panthers 81-72
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Petersen Events Center
NC State Wolfpack 81, Pittsburgh Panthers 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won NC State Wolfpack vs Pittsburgh Panthers?
NC State Wolfpack beat Pittsburgh Panthers 81-72 at Petersen Events Center on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in NC State Wolfpack vs Pittsburgh Panthers?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a notable NCAAB matchup, the NC State Wolfpack triumphed over the Pittsburgh Panthers with a final score of 81-72 at the Petersen Events Center. This game was significant as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with NC State continuing its strong season while Pittsburgh struggled to find consistency.
The Wolfpack, now holding a record of 14-6, have been in solid form recently, winning 7 of their last 10 games. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Clemson Tigers 80-76 in their previous outing. NC State has averaged 82.2 points per game over their last 10 contests while allowing 68.3 points, indicating a potent offense paired with a relatively solid defense. Their away record stands at 3-0, showcasing their ability to perform well on the road.
On the other hand, the Panthers have faced challenges, with a record of 8-12 and only 3 wins in their last 10 games, leading to a streak of 2 consecutive losses. Their latest game resulted in a narrow defeat against the Boston College Eagles, where they lost 62-65. Pittsburgh has averaged 73.6 points scored per game and allowed 73.1 points during this span, reflecting a struggle to maintain defensive integrity. Their home record is 1-4, emphasizing difficulties in capitalizing on home-court advantage.
Historically, the matchup has favored NC State, as they now hold a 1-0 record against Pittsburgh this season, having previously defeated them 71-63 on March 6, 2025. This ongoing trend adds context to the rivalry, with NC State establishing dominance in recent encounters.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is a factor that often influences game outcomes and team performance. The absence of key players can significantly alter a team's dynamics, and both coaches would have had to navigate these challenges leading up to the game.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that NC State was favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The odds reflected the market's confidence in NC State's ability to secure a victory, which they ultimately did. The over/under odds were listed at -112.0 for the over and -108.0 for the under, suggesting a balanced expectation for total points scored in the game.
The game conditions were typical for a winter evening in Pittsburgh, contributing to the atmosphere at the Petersen Events Center. Fans were treated to a competitive matchup, with NC State's offensive prowess on full display as they executed key plays down the stretch. Notable scoring plays included free throws from Tre Holloman and Damarco Minor, as well as a highlight alley-oop dunk by Ven-Allen Lubin, which helped solidify their lead in the second half.
Viewers should have noted NC State's ability to capitalize on free throws, particularly in critical moments, as they extended their lead in the closing minutes. The Wolfpack's effective ball movement and scoring efficiency were crucial in their victory, showcasing their offensive depth.
Overall, the game served as a testament to NC State's strong season and highlighted the ongoing struggles of Pittsburgh, who will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -6.5 | 144.5 o -112 / u -108 | NC State Wolfpack -285 · Pittsburgh Panthers +230 |
Leaders
- PointsRoman Siulepa15Pittsburgh Panthers
- AssistsNojus Indrusaitis4Pittsburgh Panthers
- ReboundsRoman Siulepa13Pittsburgh Panthers
- PointsQuadir Copeland20NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsQuadir Copeland9NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsVen-Allen Lubin12NC State Wolfpack
Recent form
Pittsburgh Panthers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L273.6 scored · 73.1 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L62-65at Boston College EaglesJan 22
- L59-100vs Louisville CardinalsJan 18
- W89-66at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 15
- L72-83vs Syracuse OrangeJan 10
- L68-73vs Clemson TigersJan 3
- L69-76at Miami HurricanesDec 31
- W80-46at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 21
- W103-63vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 18
- L61-79at Villanova WildcatsDec 13
- L73-80vs Hofstra PrideDec 7
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 7-3Streak W182.2 scored · 68.3 allowed per game3-0 away
- W80-76at Clemson TigersJan 21
- L74-78vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 17
- W113-69at Florida State SeminolesJan 10
- W79-71at Boston College EaglesJan 7
- L61-76vs Virginia CavaliersJan 3
- W70-57vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsDec 31
- W76-62vs Ole Miss RebelsDec 21
- W108-72vs Texas Southern TigersDec 18
- L76-77vs Kansas JayhawksDec 13
- W85-45vs Liberty FlamesDec 11
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 | Pittsburgh Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-55 | 25-68 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 11-29 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 38 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 11-25 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 44 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 52 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 26 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 26 |
| Assists | 12 | 11 |
| Steals | 10 | 1 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 3 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 26 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 32 | 56 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-43Roman Siulepa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-43Ven-Allen Lubin makes 3-foot dunk (Darrion Williams assists)
- 2nd Half43-43Paul McNeil Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Roman Siulepa makes layup
- 2nd Half43-47Barry Dunning Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half43-49Damarco Minor makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half44-49Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-49Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-52Damarco Minor makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nojus Indrusaitis assists)
- 2nd Half47-52Matt Able makes layup (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half49-52Musa Sagnia makes layup (Darrion Williams assists)
- 2nd Half51-52Matt Able makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-53Cameron Corhen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56Barry Dunning Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Paul McNeil Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Roman Siulepa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-58Ven-Allen Lubin makes layup
- 2nd Half58-58Quadir Copeland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-58Paul McNeil Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half64-58Paul McNeil Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half65-58Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-58Quadir Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61Brandin Cummings makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-61Quadir Copeland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-61Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-64Brandin Cummings makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half71-64Ven-Allen Lubin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-66Cameron Corhen makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half72-66Darrion Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66Darrion Williams makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half75-66Darrion Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-67Roman Siulepa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-67Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-68Damarco Minor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Damarco Minor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-69Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-69Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-69Tre Holloman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Nojus Indrusaitis makes 22-foot three point jumper (Damarco Minor assists)
- 2nd Half81-72Ven-Allen Lubin makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Tre Holloman assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Pittsburgh Panthers, below favours NC State Wolfpack.
Venue
- Petersen Events CenterPittsburgh, PA
- Attendance5572
- OfficialsLee Cassell, Tim Clougherty, Chase Shaw
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