Wake Forest basketball faces NC State in ACC opener, one stat about Myles Colvin’s rebound will shock you

Wake Forest basketball faces NC State today in a crucial ACC opener with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing nonconference campaigns. The Demon Deacons reeling from a devastating 98-67 loss to Vanderbilt just 10 days ago need to rediscover their offensive rhythm as conference play begins.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Seek Rebound After Historic Blowout

Wake Forest suffered one of its worst defeats of the season when Vanderbilt dismantled the Demon Deacons 98-67 on December 21 at home in Winston-Salem. Tyler Nickel led an overwhelming offensive performance for the undefeated Commodores, who built a lead as large as 34 points. Wake Forest managed only 67 points on a night when offensive execution was critical.

Myles Colvin, the junior guard transfer from Purdue, led Wake Forest with 20 points and 8 rebounds, showing promise despite the team’s struggles. Colvin was named ACC Player of the Week after dropping 33 points against Queens earlier, proving he possesses the scoring touch to lead Wake Forest through ACC play. The Demon Deacons need his offensive arsenal to generate consistent scoring against a tough NC State team.

The 31-point defeat exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Wake Forest must address immediately. Playing on the road in Raleigh against a confident Wolfpack squad provides no margin for error, making today’s matchup a genuine must-win opportunity to stay competitive early in conference standings.

NC State Wolfpack Eyes Opening Statement in ACC Competition

NC State arrives as the betting favorite despite both teams sharing identical 9-4 records heading into ACC play. The Wolfpack struggled down the stretch of nonconference play but showed enough promise to earn home court advantage against a Wake Forest team desperate for a win. Tre Holloman, the senior guard, leads NC State with 11.5 points per game while averaging 2.5 assists and providing veteran leadership.

Matthew Able adds 19.5 points per game for the Wolfpack, giving Coach Kevin Keatts a reliable two-punch offensive combination. NC State knocked off Wake Forest 85-73 in their last meeting, with Paul McNeil scoring 24 points in his first collegiate start and Dontrez Styles adding 22 points.

Playing at Lenovo Center provides NC State significant home-court advantage that Wake Forest must overcome. The Wolfpack have the pieces to make a statement in opening conference action, particularly if their defense can continue limiting opponents the way they did against the Demon Deacons in their 85-73 victory.

Head-to-Head Matchup Overview and Recent Rivalry History

Statistic	Wake Forest	NC State
Record	9-4	9-4
Leading Scorer	Myles Colvin (PPG TBA)	Matthew Able (19.5 PPG)
Recent Form	Lost to Vanderbilt 98-67	Favored by 9.5 points
Last Meeting	Lost 73-85 on Feb 22	Won 85-73 on Feb 22

NC State leads the all-time rivalry 70-43-6 against Wake Forest through 119 meetings dating to 1953. In their last 10 matchups, NC State holds a commanding 6-4 advantage. The Wolfpack’s ability to control pace and generate three-point shooting has been the difference in recent contests, as evidenced by Tyler Nickel hitting 13 three-pointers combined with Nickel and Paul McNeil dominating in the Wolfpack’s last victory.

Wake Forest needs a different outcome than their February 22 collapse when they managed only 73 points against a Wolfpack team firing on all cylinders. Myles Colvin’s scoring ability and defensive versatility will be crucial to keeping the game competitive through 40 minutes.

Key Storylines: Offensive Spark and Road Test

Myles Colvin represents Wake Forest’s best hope for offensive consistency in 2026. The junior’s ACC Player of the Week honor after his 33-point eruption shows he can carry scoring loads in critical situations. Against Vanderbilt, he still managed a double-double in a 31-point loss, demonstrating his value transcends team performance. Today’s matchup allows Colvin to prove he can succeed against ACC-caliber defense, particularly against a Wolfpack team that limits three-point shooting.

NC State’s freshman sensation Matt Able’s 19.5 scoring average makes him a player Wake Forest must scheme against defensively. Able has shown the ability to take over games early in his college career, and Wake Forest cannot afford to let him establish rhythm early. Tre Holloman’s veteran presence and playmaking will orchestrate NC State’s offense, making him another priority defender.

Road-game pressure looms large for Wake Forest entering ACC play. Playing at Lenovo Center on New Year’s Eve against a team picked to finish ahead of them in conference standings represents the kind of early-season test that defines tournament-quality programs. The Demon Deacons cannot show the offensive lethargy that plagued their Vanderbilt loss.

What Will Determine This ACC Opener at Lenovo Center?

Three-point shooting consistency will likely decide today’s contest. NC State thrives when Tyler Nickel and complementary shooters connect from beyond the arc, as they did in their 85-73 February victory. Wake Forest must challenge every perimeter shot and force Wolfpack shooters into uncomfortable looks. Myles Colvin’s individual offensive performance, combined with Wake Forest’s ability to generate three-point attempts, will determine scoring output.

Defensive intensity on the final day of 2025 separates ACC tournament teams from bubble squads. Wake Forest allowed 98 points to Vanderbilt just 10 days ago, an unacceptable mark for a program hoping to compete in conference standings. NC State knows a strong opening-game victory sets the tone for ACC success. Both teams need this win for different reasons—Wake Forest for redemption, NC State for conference validation.

The final telling factor remains Wake Forest’s ability to execute offensively without star players. Myles Colvin carries offensive load alone, requiring complementary scoring from Wake Forest’s supporting cast that struggled mightily against Vanderbilt. Can role players step up and provide the scoring depth Wake Forest needs to remain competitive at Lenovo Center?

Sources

• ESPN – Game coverage and player statistics
• Go Pack Go (NC State Athletics) – Opponent history and roster information
• Go Deacs (Wake Forest Athletics) – Team schedule and player profiles