Stanford Edges NC State in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2:15 PM ET · Lenovo Center
Stanford Cardinal 85, NC State Wolfpack 84, 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 Stanford Cardinal vs NC State Wolfpack?
Stanford Cardinal beat NC State Wolfpack 85-84 at Lenovo Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Stanford Cardinal vs NC State Wolfpack?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Stanford Cardinal narrowly defeated the NC State Wolfpack with a final score of 85-84 at the Lenovo Center. This game was significant as it marked Stanford's first victory against NC State in their head-to-head meetings, improving their record to 1-0 against the Wolfpack.
Both teams entered the game with identical records of 19-12 for NC State and 20-11 for Stanford, but their recent forms painted contrasting pictures. NC State struggled in their last ten games, finishing with a record of 5-5 and currently on a three-game losing streak. Their average points scored per game during this stretch was 80.0, but they also allowed an average of 83.4 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, the Wolfpack managed to win just one, averaging 74.6 points while conceding 82.8.
On the other hand, Stanford also had a 5-5 record in their last ten games but was riding a three-game winning streak leading into this contest. The Cardinal averaged 76.4 points scored and allowed 72.9 points during this period. Their recent form showed a slight improvement in defense compared to NC State, which may have contributed to their success in this matchup.
Home court advantage has been a mixed bag for NC State, who held a home record of 3-2 in their last five games. Conversely, Stanford's away record was 2-4, indicating that both teams had their challenges playing away from home. However, Stanford's recent victories might have given them the confidence needed to perform well in this away game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had to manage their rosters carefully as they approached the end of the season. The absence of key players can often sway the outcome of such close games.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, favored NC State with a spread of -9.5, suggesting that they were expected to win by a significant margin. The total points line was set at 152.5, with over odds at -112.0 and under odds at -108.0, indicating a relatively balanced expectation for scoring.
The conditions at the Lenovo Center were typical for a late-season college basketball game, with both teams likely facing pressure to secure a win as they aimed for postseason positioning. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, with key scoring plays defining the outcome. Quadir Copeland's layup put Stanford ahead late in the second half, followed by crucial free throws from Jeremy Dent-Smith and Tre Holloman that extended their lead.
In the final moments, Paul McNeil Jr. hit a significant three-point jumper, bringing NC State within one point, but they could not secure the win as time expired. The close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of the fixture and highlights the importance of each possession in such tightly contested games.
This matchup not only showcased the talent on both sides but also underscored the intensity of college basketball, where every game can have significant implications for team standings and player legacies.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -9.5 | 152.5 o -112 / u -108 | Stanford Cardinal +350 · NC State Wolfpack -455 |
Leaders
- PointsVen-Allen Lubin17NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsDarrion Williams3NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsVen-Allen Lubin11NC State Wolfpack
- PointsEbuka Okorie33Stanford Cardinal
- AssistsEbuka Okorie3Stanford Cardinal
- ReboundsAJ Rohosy7Stanford Cardinal
Recent form
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 5-5Streak L380 scored · 83.4 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- W96-78at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 31
- W88-68vs Syracuse OrangeJan 28
Stanford Cardinal
Last 10: 5-5Streak W376.4 scored · 72.9 allowed per game2-4 away
- W86-78at Notre Dame Fighting IrishMar 5
- W95-75vs SMU MustangsFeb 28
- W75-67vs Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 26
- L66-72at California Golden BearsFeb 21
- L63-68at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 14
- W70-64at Boston College EaglesFeb 12
- W95-72vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 8
- L64-66vs Clemson TigersFeb 5
- L80-88at Florida State SeminolesJan 31
- L70-79at Miami HurricanesJan 29
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 | Stanford Cardinal | NC State Wolfpack |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-68 | 26-54 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 35 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 25-34 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 22 |
| Assists | 10 | 9 |
| Steals | 11 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 66 | 19 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-50Quadir Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-50Jaylen Thompson makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-50Jaylen Thompson makes 3-foot dunk (Ebuka Okorie assists)
- 2nd Half55-52Ven-Allen Lubin makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half55-55Matt Able makes 23-foot three point jumper (Terrance Arceneaux assists)
- 2nd Half55-58Matt Able makes 25-foot three point jumper (Terrance Arceneaux assists)
- 2nd Half58-58Benny Gealer makes 32-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Thompson assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Scottie Ebube makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-59Jaylen Thompson makes 2-foot dunk (Benny Gealer assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Benny Gealer makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Thompson assists)
- 2nd Half65-59Jaylen Thompson makes layup
- 2nd Half67-59Ebuka Okorie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-61Quadir Copeland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-62Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-62Benny Gealer makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-62Jaylen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-62Jaylen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Ven-Allen Lubin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-64AJ Rohosy makes layup (Benny Gealer assists)
- 2nd Half73-66Matt Able makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-67Matt Able makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-68Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half73-69Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half73-70Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half76-70Ebuka Okorie makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-71Matt Able makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Jeremy Dent-Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ebuka Okorie assists)
- 2nd Half79-74Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half79-76Tre Holloman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-77Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half81-77Ebuka Okorie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-79Quadir Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half82-79Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-79Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-80Tre Holloman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-81Tre Holloman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-81Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-81Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-84Paul McNeil Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours NC State Wolfpack, below favours Stanford Cardinal.
Venue
- Lenovo CenterRaleigh, NC
- Attendance18922
- OfficialsTim Clougherty, Bill Covington Jr., Kellen Miliner
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