Virginia Cavaliers Defeat NC State Wolfpack 76-61
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:00 AM ET · Lenovo Center
Virginia Cavaliers 76, NC State Wolfpack 61, 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 Virginia Cavaliers vs NC State Wolfpack?
Virginia Cavaliers beat NC State Wolfpack 76-61 at Lenovo Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs NC State Wolfpack?
NC State Wolfpack were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at the Lenovo Center, the Virginia Cavaliers triumphed over the NC State Wolfpack with a final score of 76-61. This victory adds to Virginia's impressive away record, improving it to 12-2 for the season, while NC State falls to 10-5. The game showcased Virginia's strong performance, particularly in the second half, where they maintained control and executed key plays to secure their win.
Both teams entered the game with differing recent forms. NC State had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, enjoying a three-game winning streak leading up to this contest. They averaged 81.5 points scored per game while allowing 71.6 points. In contrast, Virginia boasted an 8-2 record over their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers averaged 87.2 points scored and allowed 72.5 points during that stretch.
At home, NC State had a record of 5-2, while Virginia had a home record of 7-1. This game was particularly significant for NC State as they sought to improve their standing against a strong opponent. In their previous meeting on December 31, 2024, Virginia had also emerged victorious, winning 70-67, which added to the competitive nature of this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams' rosters were intact for this matchup. The betting market reflected Virginia's status as favorites, with DraftKings listing NC State at -4.5 on the spread, a total of 151.5, and moneyline odds of -205 for NC State and 170 for Virginia. This indicates that the market had confidence in NC State's ability to perform at home, despite Virginia's strong away record.
The conditions during the game were standard for a college basketball matchup, with both teams playing under typical indoor arena conditions. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, particularly from Virginia's Quadir Copeland, who made a notable 27-foot three-point jumper in the second half, contributing to the Cavaliers' scoring surge.
As the game progressed, NC State struggled to keep pace with Virginia's offensive efficiency. The Cavaliers' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, combined with NC State's inability to maintain their momentum, ultimately determined the outcome. The final score of 76-61 reflects Virginia's dominance, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NCSU -4.5 | 151.5 o -115 / u -105 | Virginia Cavaliers +170 · NC State Wolfpack -205 |
Leaders
- PointsQuadir Copeland15NC State Wolfpack
- AssistsQuadir Copeland4NC State Wolfpack
- ReboundsDarrion Williams5NC State Wolfpack
- PointsSam Lewis23Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsChance Mallory4Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsMalik Thomas7Virginia Cavaliers
Recent form
NC State Wolfpack
Last 10: 6-4Streak W381.5 scored · 71.6 allowed per game5-2 at home
- 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
- W75-63vs UNC Asheville BulldogsDec 6
- L73-83at Auburn TigersDec 4
- L97-102at Texas LonghornsNov 27
- W81-70at Boise State BroncosNov 25
- L74-85vs Seton Hall PiratesNov 24
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 8-2Streak L187.2 scored · 72.5 allowed per game1-1 away
- L85-95at Virginia Tech HokiesDec 31
- W95-51vs American University EaglesDec 22
- W80-72vs Maryland TerrapinsDec 20
- W84-60vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksDec 10
- W86-73vs Dayton FlyersDec 6
- W88-69at Texas LonghornsDec 4
- W94-69vs Queens University RoyalsNov 28
- L73-80vs Butler BulldogsNov 23
- W83-78vs Northwestern WildcatsNov 21
- W104-78vs Marshall Thundering HerdNov 15
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 | Virginia Cavaliers | NC State Wolfpack |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-52 | 18-50 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 13-33 | 5-20 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 25 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 17 |
| Assists | 14 | 7 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 24 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 27 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 95 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-26Alyn Breed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-27Alyn Breed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-28Alyn Breed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-31Paul McNeil Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half44-31Malik Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half44-34Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-35Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-32Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-33Ven-Allen Lubin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-35Thijs De Ridder makes layup
- 2nd Half46-38Paul McNeil Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half48-38Dallin Hall makes layup
- 2nd Half50-38Devin Tillis makes layup (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half50-39Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-40Quadir Copeland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-40Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-40Thijs De Ridder makes layup
- 2nd Half53-42Alyn Breed makes layup
- 2nd Half55-42Devin Tillis makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half58-42Devin Tillis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Thijs De Ridder assists)
- 2nd Half58-43Alyn Breed makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-44Alyn Breed makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-44Thijs De Ridder makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half63-44Thijs De Ridder makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sam Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half66-44Sam Lewis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Malik Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half66-47Darrion Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quadir Copeland assists)
- 2nd Half67-47Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-47Chance Mallory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-47Chance Mallory makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dallin Hall assists)
- 2nd Half74-47Dallin Hall makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half74-49Quadir Copeland makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-50Quadir Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-53Quadir Copeland makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half74-55Ven-Allen Lubin makes layup
- 2nd Half74-56Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-57Paul McNeil Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-57Chance Mallory makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-59Alyn Breed makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-60Matt Able makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-61Matt Able makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours NC State Wolfpack, below favours Virginia Cavaliers.
Venue
- Lenovo CenterRaleigh, NC
- Attendance16144
- OfficialsRon Groover, Mark Schnur, Tony Henderson
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