Wake Forest vs NC State tips off today at noon from the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, with both programs seeking to bounce back from holiday losses in their ACC opener. The ninth-ranked Demon Deacons arrive as underdogs against the Wolfpack, who enter conference play with momentum despite recent setbacks.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tipoff: Wednesday, December 31 at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN2 from Raleigh
- Records: Both teams enter at 9-4 entering ACC conference play
- Recent Form: Wake Forest lost 98-67 to Vanderbilt on December 21; NC State ranked 32nd in NET
- Key Storyline: Myles Colvin led Wake Forest with 20 points in their holiday loss
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Both Wake Forest and NC State begin their Atlantic Coast Conference campaigns looking to erase disappointing performances from the holiday break. The Demon Deacons suffered a 31-point blowout loss to No. 13 Vanderbilt last Sunday, while the Wolfpack face their own pressure to establish dominance in league play. This opener carries weight beyond the immediate standings.
The two-team historical record heavily favors NC State, who leads the all-time series 150-110. In their most recent meeting on February 22, 2025, the Wolfpack defeated Wake Forest 85-73 in dominant fashion. Today’s ACC opener provides the Demon Deacons an opportunity for revenge while seeking to rebuild confidence early in conference competition.
Colvin Leads Wake Forest Redemption Bid Against Ranked Opponent
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Myles Colvin emerged as the bright spot in Wake Forest‘s holiday loss, recording a career-high 20 points and four rebounds despite the lopsided defeat. The junior guard has been consistent for the Demon Deacons this season, averaging 13.8 points per game while maintaining 44.7% field goal percentage. His first career double-double signals growing confidence heading into ACC play.
Wake Forest’s offensive struggles against Vanderbilt‘s stout defense revealed vulnerabilities that NC State will look to exploit. The Demon Deacons managed just 67 points in that contest, suggesting they must find improved rhythm early against the Wolfpack‘s well-rounded attack. Colvin‘s hot hand and supporting cast will determine whether Wake Forest can compete today.
| Factor | Wake Forest | NC State |
| Record | 9-4 | 9-4 |
| NET Ranking | 70th | 32nd |
| Last Game | Loss 98-67 to Vanderbilt | Conference play begins |
| Key Player | Myles Colvin (13.8 PPG) | Paul McNeil Jr. (11 3PM) |
NC State Seeks Strong Conference Start Behind Improved Ranking
NC State enters today’s clash having climbed to 32nd in the NET rankings, a significant advancement that reflects their improved play heading into ACC competition. Guard Paul McNeil Jr. has proven explosive recently, setting an NC State single-game record with 11 three-pointers in a 108-72 victory over Texas. His shooting prowess will test Wake Forest‘s defensive capabilities.
The Wolfpack are favored by 9.5 points, reflecting their superior NET ranking and home-court advantage at the Lenovo Center. Coach Will Wade‘s squad appears poised to dominate early in ACC play, though conference competition always presents unpredictable outcomes. NC State‘s ability to enforce their will early sets the tone for their season trajectory.
Championship Implications Drive Both Teams’ Holiday Redemption Quest
With ACC regular season play now beginning, Wake Forest and NC State cannot afford to fall behind early. The Demon Deacons need to prove their 9-4 record represents legitimate tournament-caliber basketball, while the Wolfpack seek to validate their improved NET ranking through strong conference performance. This noon tipoff essentially becomes a measuring stick for both programs’ postseason aspirations.
Every conference loss carries exponential weight for teams like Wake Forest, whose 70th NET ranking suggests they operate on the bubble for tournament consideration. NC State‘s higher ranking doesn’t guarantee safety either, making this first ACC matchup critical for both programs. The holiday losses have reset expectations, and winning streaks begin with single victories.
Will Wake Forest’s Colvin-Led Offensive Spark Overcome NC State’s Home Court Advantage?
Wake Forest‘s path to victory runs through Myles Colvin‘s continued hot shooting and improved ball movement that broke down against Vanderbilt. If the Demon Deacons can establish offensive rhythm early, they might keep pace with NC State‘s superior NET ranking and home environment. However, the Wolfpack‘s three-point shooting prowess, particularly Paul McNeil Jr.‘s recent explosion, presents a formidable obstacle for any opponent.
NC State‘s path seems clearer: control the paint, force Wake Forest turnovers, and let McNeil attack from beyond the arc. The 9.5-point spread reflects this perceived dominance, though competitive ACC basketball rarely unfolds according to preseason expectations. Tipoff at noon ET will reveal whether either team’s holiday losses have truly humbled them or simply motivated them toward conference-play excellence.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.