Virginia Defeats NC State in ACC Tournament Quarterfinals, Advances to Semifinals

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — No. 10 Virginia defeated NC State 81-74 in the quarterfinals of the T. Rowe Price ACC Tournament on Thursday, securing their spot in the semifinals. Malik Thomas led the Cavaliers with 16 points, while Thijs De Ridder added 15.

Game Recap

The Cavaliers (28-5) shot 54.8% from the field in the second half and made 6 of 13 3-point attempts to pull away from the Wolfpack (20-13). Jacari White contributed 13 points for Virginia.

NC State, despite the loss, had a strong performance from Paul McNeil Jr., who scored 26 points, and Van-Allen Lubin, who added 14.

The Wolfpack had previously lost to Virginia by 15 points at home and 29 points on the road earlier in the season. NC State coach Will Wade acknowledged before the game that his team had been “outclassed” by the Cavaliers in previous matchups.

NC State started strong, taking a 22-16 lead early in the game, fueled by eight points from Lubin. However, Virginia battled back, taking a 33-32 lead at halftime after a 3-pointer by De Ridder. The Cavaliers extended their lead in the second half with a 3-pointer from Dallin Hall.

The Wolfpack attempted a late comeback, cutting the lead to four with 26.8 seconds remaining on a 3-pointer by McNeil. They forced a turnover, but missed two close-range shots, allowing Virginia to seal the victory with free throws.

Looking Ahead

NC State (20-13) is expected to make the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team despite losing seven of their last nine games.

Virginia will face Miami, a 78-73 quarterfinal winner over No. 24 Louisville, in Friday’s semifinals. The Cavaliers previously defeated the Hurricanes 86-83 last month.