NC State Dominates Wake Forest in Convincing Win
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · LJVM Coliseum
NC State Wolfpack 96, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 78, 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 Wake Forest Demon Deacons?
NC State Wolfpack beat Wake Forest Demon Deacons 96-78 at LJVM Coliseum on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in NC State Wolfpack vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the NC State Wolfpack defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 96-78 at the LJVM Coliseum. This game showcased NC State's strong performance as they extended their winning streak to four games, while Wake Forest continued to struggle, marking their fourth consecutive loss.
NC State entered the game with a record of 16-6, having won eight of their last ten games. Their recent form has been impressive, averaging 83.0 points scored and allowing 70.1 points in that span. In contrast, Wake Forest, with an 11-11 record, has struggled lately, winning only three of their last ten games and averaging 73.0 points scored while allowing a concerning 81.1 points per game.
The Wolfpack's away record stands at 4-0, demonstrating their ability to perform well on the road, while Wake Forest has a home record of 2-3 in their last five games. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between these two teams within a month. In their previous encounter on December 31, 2025, NC State also emerged victorious, winning 70-57.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, which allowed both squads to field their strongest lineups. The betting market reflected NC State's dominance, with DraftKings setting the odds at NC State -5.5, indicating a strong expectation for their performance. The total for the game was set at 156.5, suggesting an anticipated high-scoring affair.
The conditions for the game were typical for a mid-season college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their standings as they head towards the latter part of the season. Fans were treated to a display of offensive prowess from NC State, highlighted by their ability to score effectively both inside and beyond the arc.
As the game unfolded, NC State maintained control, demonstrating their offensive depth and defensive resilience. The scoring plays included contributions from key players such as Myles Colvin and Paul McNeil Jr., who made significant impacts in the second half. The final quarter saw NC State pull away decisively, with a series of free throws and well-executed plays that showcased their tactical advantage.
This victory not only solidified NC State's position in the league but also highlighted the challenges facing Wake Forest as they look to regroup and find a winning formula. The game served as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and teams must adapt to the challenges presented by their opponents.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -5.5 | 156.5 o -110 / u -110 | NC State Wolfpack -225 · Wake Forest Demon Deacons +185 |
Leaders
- PointsJuke Harris31Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- AssistsSebastian Akins3Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- ReboundsJuke Harris7Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- PointsPaul McNeil Jr.28NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsQuadir Copeland10NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsVen-Allen Lubin8NC State Wolfpack
Recent form
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Last 10: 3-7Streak L373 scored · 81.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L76-80at Pittsburgh PanthersJan 27
- L69-90at Duke Blue DevilsJan 24
- L79-91vs SMU MustangsJan 21
- W69-68at Florida State SeminolesJan 17
- L84-87at North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 10
- L77-81vs Miami HurricanesJan 8
- W81-78vs Virginia Tech HokiesJan 3
- L57-70at NC State WolfpackDec 31
- L67-98vs Vanderbilt CommodoresDec 21
- W71-68vs Longwood LancersDec 18
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 8-2Streak W383 scored · 70.1 allowed per game4-0 away
- W88-68vs Syracuse OrangeJan 28
- W81-72at Pittsburgh PanthersJan 24
- 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
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 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-61 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 16-28 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 35 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 21-24 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 22 |
| Assists | 19 | 8 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 30 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 93 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-48Juke Harris makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half62-49Juke Harris makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half62-51Cooper Schwieger makes layup
- 2nd Half62-52Cooper Schwieger makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-52Terrance Arceneaux makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Tre Holloman assists)
- 2nd Half64-53Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-54Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-57Juke Harris makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half67-57Matt Able makes 23-foot three point jumper (Paul McNeil Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half67-58Juke Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-59Matt Able makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half69-59Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half72-59Paul McNeil Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half72-62Omaha Biliew makes 24-foot three point jumper (Myles Colvin assists)
- 2nd Half73-62Musa Sagnia makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-62Quadir Copeland makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half75-64Omaha Biliew makes 4-foot dunk (Sebastian Akins assists)
- 2nd Half77-64Tre Holloman makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half77-65Sebastian Akins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-66Sebastian Akins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-66Ven-Allen Lubin makes layup
- 2nd Half79-67Tre'Von Spillers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-68Tre'Von Spillers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-68Terrance Arceneaux makes layup
- 2nd Half81-70Juke Harris makes 21-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half83-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half84-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half87-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ven-Allen Lubin assists)
- 2nd Half88-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-72Juke Harris makes layup
- 2nd Half89-73Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-74Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-74Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-74Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-76Cooper Schwieger makes 2-foot dunk (Sebastian Akins assists)
- 2nd Half93-76Matt Able makes driving layup
- 2nd Half93-78Sebastian Akins makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half96-78Paul McNeil Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Holloman assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Wake Forest Demon Deacons, below favours NC State Wolfpack.
Venue
- LJVM ColiseumWinston-Salem, NC
- Attendance5821
- OfficialsMark Schnur, Roger Ayers, Michael Kitts
Elsewhere
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- 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