Louisville shocked NC State in a thrilling overtime battle on January 18, 2026. Guard Imari Berry delivered a dominant performance with 31 points, leading the Cardinals to a 81-77 victory at Reynolds Coliseum.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Louisville 81, NC State 77 in overtime on January 18, 2026
- Star Performer: Imari Berry led all scorers with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals
- Louisville Record: Improved to 17-3 overall, 7-0 in ACC play for perfect conference record
- NC State Record: Dropped to 13-5 overall, 6-1 in ACC despite strong home effort
Berry Dominates in Thrilling Overtime Victory
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Imari Berry put on a masterclass performance to lead Louisville to victory. The dynamic guard shot 13-of-22 from the field and added crucial defensive plays. Berry’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and ball security proved the difference in the tightly contested matchup.
The Cardinals showed incredible poise in the extra period, scoring 7 points to NC State’s 3 points to escape with the win. Berry’s clutch play in overtime sealed the upset against the home crowd.
Wolfpack Battles in Regulation and Overtime Loss
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Khamil Pierre led NC State with 25 points, while Zamareya Jones contributed 20 points and 6 assists. The Wolfpack shot 48 percent from the field and made 8 three-pointers but couldn’t maintain their first-half advantage.
Despite strong offensive efficiency, NC State’s turnovers proved costly in crunch time. The home team shot 75 percent from the free throw line but couldn’t execute down the stretch against Berry’s relentless defense.
Game Statistics and Performance Breakdown
| Statistic | Louisville | NC State |
| Final Score | 81 | 77 |
| Field Goal % | 42% | 48% |
| Three-Pointers | 5-19 (26%) | 8-17 (47%) |
| Rebounds | 41 | 34 |
“Imari Berry was just phenomenal tonight with her energy and focus. She controlled the game when we needed her most, especially in that crucial overtime period.”
— According to game coverage, Louisville coach Jeff Walz acknowledged Berry’s dominant performance
Tournament Implications and ACC standings
Louisville’s perfect 7-0 ACC record puts them atop the conference standings alongside Duke, both of whom remain undefeated in league play. This emotional overtime win demonstrates the Cardinals’ championship pedigree and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
NC State falls to 6-1 in conference, sitting one game behind the leaders. The loss at home against a ranked opponent stings, but the Wolfpack showed they can compete with the best teams in the ACC.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Louisville Cardinals will look to extend their dominant season with continued strong performances. Berry’s star power could propel them toward a conference championship and potential tournament seeding.
Can NC State bounce back from this heartbreaking loss and reclaim first place in the ACC? The Wolfpack have shown resilience before and will need to channel that energy into their next contest.
Sources
- ESPN – Complete box score and live game coverage from January 18, 2026
- ACC Digital Network – Official highlights and game statistics
- Louisville Athletics – Official team records and player statistics
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.