Virginia Cavaliers Defeat NC State Wolfpack 81-74
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Virginia Cavaliers 81, NC State Wolfpack 74, 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 Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers beat NC State Wolfpack 81-74 at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers?
Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers secured an 81-74 victory over the NC State Wolfpack at the Spectrum Center. This game marked another chapter in the ongoing rivalry, with Virginia extending their head-to-head record against NC State to 3-0 this season. The Cavaliers had previously defeated the Wolfpack 90-61 on February 25, 2026, and 76-61 on January 3, 2026, showcasing their dominance in recent encounters.
Virginia entered the game with a strong home record of 28-4 and a recent form of 9-1 over their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 74.2 points per game while allowing 66.1 points during this stretch. Their last five games saw them scoring an average of 75.6 points and allowing 72.6. The Cavaliers were particularly formidable at home, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in their last six home games.
On the other hand, NC State had a record of 20-13 and was struggling with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, although they had recently snapped a losing streak with a win against the Pittsburgh Panthers, scoring 98 points in that game. The Wolfpack averaged 79.8 points but allowed a concerning 86.1 points over their last ten games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their away performance was less impressive, with a record of 1-3 in their last four away games.
The betting market reflected Virginia's strong position, with DraftKings setting the spread at -6.5 in favor of the Cavaliers. The total for the game was set at 153.5, with odds of -105.0 for the over and -115.0 for the under. Virginia's moneyline was priced at -285.0, while NC State's was at 230.0, further indicating the Cavaliers' status as favorites.
In terms of player performances, the game featured key moments, including free throws and three-pointers that shaped the final score. Paul McNeil Jr. made significant contributions for NC State, including a three-point jumper that brought the score to 74-78 in the second half. However, Virginia responded effectively, with Malik Thomas sealing the game with free throws that pushed the final score to 81-74.
The conditions of the game were competitive, with both teams showing resilience and determination. Virginia's ability to maintain composure in critical moments proved decisive in securing the win. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Virginia continuing to assert their dominance and NC State seeking to improve their defensive strategies.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVA -6.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | NC State Wolfpack +230 · Virginia Cavaliers -285 |
Leaders
- PointsMalik Thomas16Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsDallin Hall5Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsUgonna Onyenso6Virginia Cavaliers
- PointsPaul McNeil Jr.26NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsQuadir Copeland6NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsVen-Allen Lubin10NC State Wolfpack
Recent form
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W274.2 scored · 66.1 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W76-72vs Virginia Tech HokiesMar 7
- W75-70vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsMar 4
- L51-77at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 28
- W90-61vs NC State WolfpackFeb 25
- W86-83vs Miami HurricanesFeb 21
- W94-68at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 19
- W70-66at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 15
- W61-58at Florida State SeminolesFeb 11
- W72-59vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 7
- W67-47vs Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 4
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 4-6Streak W179.8 scored · 86.1 allowed per game1-3 away
- W98-88vs Pittsburgh PanthersMar 11
- L84-85vs Stanford CardinalMar 7
- L64-93vs Duke Blue DevilsMar 3
- L90-96at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 28
- 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
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 | Virginia Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-57 | 29-61 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 11-22 | 12-25 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 48 |
| Free throws | 21-24 | 11-14 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 25 |
| Assists | 12 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 7 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 30 |
| Fouls | 14 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 36 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-44Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-46Jacari White makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half45-46Darrion Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Paul McNeil Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-48Johann Grunloh makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-50Johann Grunloh makes layup (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half45-52Dallin Hall makes layup (Devin Tillis assists)
- 2nd Half45-55Dallin Hall makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thijs De Ridder assists)
- 2nd Half48-55Paul McNeil Jr. makes 28-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half48-58Jacari White makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half49-58Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-58Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-61Sam Lewis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Malik Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half51-61Darrion Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-63Thijs De Ridder makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-63Quadir Copeland makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-63Tre Holloman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Matt Able assists)
- 2nd Half56-66Jacari White makes 26-foot three point jumper (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half59-66Matt Able makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half59-68Thijs De Ridder makes layup
- 2nd Half61-68Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-68Matt Able makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70Ugonna Onyenso makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half64-72Malik Thomas makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half65-72Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-73Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-74Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-74Quadir Copeland makes layup (Darrion Williams assists)
- 2nd Half69-74Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-76Thijs De Ridder makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-76Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half71-76Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half71-77Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-78Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Paul McNeil Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half74-79Dallin Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Virginia Cavaliers, below favours NC State Wolfpack.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- OfficialsLee Cassell, A.J. Desai, Jemel Spearman
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