On a brisk Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee, the NC State Wolfpack strolled into the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center with a mission: to build on their recent momentum and prove their consistency in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Facing the Florida State Seminoles, who were still searching for their first conference victory under new head coach Luke Loucks, the Wolfpack looked to capitalize on their statistical advantages and strong shooting form. As the action unfolded, it became clear that NC State was determined to make a statement, while Florida State sought to defy the odds and steady its season amidst growing pains.
Coming into this January 10, 2026, matchup, NC State boasted an 11-5 overall record and a 2-1 mark in ACC play, fresh off a critical 79-71 road win over Boston College. That victory snapped a 15-game road losing streak for the Wolfpack and featured a standout 22-point performance from senior forward Darrion Williams. The Pack’s offense was clicking, with a season-best 59.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc—making 13 of 22 three-point attempts. Bench contributions were notable as well, with junior guard Terrance Arceneaux and freshman Matt Able combining for 23 points. NC State’s three-point prowess had them leading the ACC and ranking 17th nationally at 38.9 percent, a testament to their offensive firepower.
Meanwhile, Florida State entered the contest at 7-8 overall and 0-2 in conference play, with both ACC losses coming against blue-blood rivals North Carolina and Duke. Despite the setbacks, the Seminoles showed flashes of offensive potential, nearly upsetting No. 6 Duke in their previous game. In that 91-87 defeat, FSU shot over 53 percent from the field and nearly 47 percent from three-point range, led by senior guard Robert McCray V and forward Chauncey Wiggins, who each poured in 22 points. The Seminoles’ balanced attack, featuring four double-digit scorers, hinted at untapped potential, but inconsistency and defensive lapses remained concerns.
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor didn’t mince words about the challenge ahead for Florida State, giving the Seminoles just a 28.4 percent chance to emerge victorious against the Wolfpack. NC State’s 71.6 percent probability reflected not only their superior record, but also their steadiness in both non-conference and ACC play. The Wolfpack’s ability to share the scoring load—having five different players notch 20-plus points in games this season—made them a tough out for any opponent.
Tipoff arrived at noon, and from the opening moments, NC State seized control. The Wolfpack raced out to a commanding 33-9 lead with about eight minutes left in the first half, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence. The lopsided score was reminiscent of a high school mismatch, and even seasoned observers were left scratching their heads. “How is that possible, especially when FSU was competitive with North Carolina and Duke in the previous two games?” wondered one fan, highlighting the drastic shift in fortunes for the Seminoles.
By halftime, the deficit had ballooned to 56-31 in favor of NC State. The Wolfpack’s three-point shooting was simply scorching—they made 11 of 21 attempts from deep in the first half alone. Offensive rebounding was another area of dominance, with NC State grabbing seven offensive boards to Florida State’s zero. At the free-throw line, the Pack was nearly perfect, converting 11 of 12 attempts. In stark contrast, FSU struggled to find its rhythm from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 12 three-pointers, and went 11-for-16 at the charity stripe. The Seminoles trailed by as many as 28 points on their home court, a far cry from their competitive showing just days earlier against Duke.
“The major difference in the game was NC State’s three-point shooting and offensive rebounding. They also had eight points off of FSU turnovers,” a local analyst noted. Indeed, NC State’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and limit their own mistakes—having just four turnovers in their previous outing—underscored their disciplined approach.
Florida State’s struggles from long range were nothing new. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, the Seminoles had been plagued by poor three-point shooting, despite averaging more than 30 attempts per game. The lack of consistency from deep compounded their defensive issues, making it difficult to keep pace with high-octane offenses like NC State’s. “I don’t expect NC State to keep shooting 52 percent from the three-point line in the second half, but FSU has to find a way to make it competitive,” the analyst continued, encapsulating the challenge facing Loucks’ squad.
For NC State, the first half was a showcase of their offensive identity under head coach Kevin Keatts. The Wolfpack moved the ball crisply, found open shooters, and attacked the glass with purpose. Darrion Williams continued his stellar form, while Quadir Copeland, enjoying a breakout season, orchestrated the offense and contributed on both ends. Copeland’s season averages of 13.8 points, 6.1 assists, and a career-best shooting percentage reflected his evolution into a true floor general. The Pack’s depth was on display as well, with all nine players who saw court time contributing at least four points in their previous win—evidence of a team that can hurt opponents in a variety of ways.
Florida State, under the guidance of first-year head coach Luke Loucks, found itself in a transitional phase. Loucks, a former Seminole player himself, was tasked with replacing the legendary Leonard Hamilton and instilling a new identity. While the Seminoles had shown glimpses of promise—especially in the near-upset of Duke—the inconsistency and defensive lapses were glaring in this matchup. The fans’ frustration was palpable, as attendance woes and on-court struggles threatened to dampen the program’s momentum.
Historically, the series between NC State and Florida State had been tightly contested, with the Wolfpack holding a slim 33-31 edge prior to this meeting. The Pack’s last win in Tallahassee dated back to the 2014-15 season, and they had dropped six straight at the Tucker Center. The December 2024 clash saw NC State snap FSU’s NCAA-record 14-game overtime win streak, further fueling the rivalry.
As the game progressed into the second half, all eyes were on whether Florida State could mount a comeback or if NC State would continue its torrid shooting. The Wolfpack’s recent form, statistical advantages, and balanced roster suggested they were poised to maintain control, but in college basketball, momentum can shift in the blink of an eye.
With the action ongoing and the Wolfpack holding a commanding lead, the story of this ACC clash is still being written. Will Florida State find its footing and make a run, or will NC State notch another impressive road victory to solidify its status as a conference contender? Stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold in Tallahassee.
