You just don't see games like that in the ACC. Not anymore.
When the North Carolina State men's basketball score flashed 113–69 against Florida State on Saturday, even the most jaded Wolfpack fans had to rub their eyes. This wasn't just a win. It was a 44-point demolition of a conference foe on their own floor. If you follow Raleigh sports, you know the "Cardiac Pack" brand usually involves stress, late-game heroics, or a heartbreaking buzzer-beater. But this? This was a clinical, cold-blooded execution from the opening tip.
Will Wade has his guys playing a brand of basketball that feels distinctively... different. It’s fast. It’s aggressive. And on Saturday in Tallahassee, it was historically accurate.
Why the Florida State Game Changed Everything
Let's look at the numbers because they are frankly ridiculous. The Pack didn't just win; they tied a program record by burying 19 three-pointers. They shot 54.3% from beyond the arc. Think about that for a second. In a high-pressure ACC road game, nearly every second shot from deep went in.
📖 Related: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
Paul McNeil Jr., the Rockingham native, was the catalyst. He finished with 21 points, looking every bit like the elite sniper the coaching staff promised he’d be. But he wasn't alone. Darrion Williams put up a monster double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. When your "bigs" and your "wings" are both clicking like that, there isn't a defensive scheme in the country that can hold water.
Breaking Down the Recent North Carolina State Men's Basketball Score
If you've been keeping track of the North Carolina State men's basketball score over the last few weeks, you’ve noticed a trend. After a somewhat clunky start to the new year—specifically that 76–61 loss to a ranked Virginia squad on January 3rd—the Pack has found its rhythm.
Before the FSU blowout, they went into Chestnut Hill and handled Boston College 79–71. That was a "character win." It broke a nasty 15-game road losing streak that had been hanging over the program like a dark cloud. Winning at BC is never easy, especially when you're trying to prove the Virginia loss was a fluke.
👉 See also: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Season Trajectory and the Standings
Right now, NC State sits at 12–5 overall and 3–1 in the ACC. Honestly, that’s a spot most fans would have taken in a heartbeat back in November. They are currently tied for fourth in the conference, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Virginia and North Carolina.
- Overall Record: 12–5
- ACC Record: 3–1
- Current Streak: 2 Wins
- Next Up: Georgia Tech at home (January 17)
The loss to Kansas back in December (77–76) still stings. It was a one-point heartbreaker in the Lenovo Center that could have easily swung the other way. If the Pack hits one more free throw or gets one more stop, we’re talking about a Top 15 team right now. But that's college hoops.
The Will Wade Factor
It’s the elephant in the room, isn’t it? The energy around the program has shifted. There’s a certain "swagger" that wasn't there twelve months ago. The rotation is deeper, and the bench production is actually reliable. Against FSU, Matt Able and Terrance Arceneaux combined for 28 points off the pine.
✨ Don't miss: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
You can't rely on your starters to play 38 minutes every night in this league. You'll get eaten alive by February. Having guys like Able come in and drop 15 points (tying a season high) is what separates bubble teams from tournament locks.
Looking Ahead: Can They Keep It Up?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. After Georgia Tech comes a grueling road trip to Clemson and Pittsburgh. We’ve seen NC State teams start hot before only to fizzle out when the Tuesday night road games start piling up.
The defense is the real question mark. Scoring 113 is great, but holding Wake Forest to 57 earlier in the season was perhaps more impressive. If this team can maintain a defensive rating in the top half of the ACC, they are going to be a problem in March.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to follow the Pack's progress or want to catch the next big game, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the Georgia Tech Game: It’s at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 17. It’ll be broadcast on The CW. Don't let the "noon start" fool you; these are trap games.
- Track the NET Rankings: Now that we're in the meat of conference play, NC State’s NET ranking will fluctuate wildly. Wins like the one over FSU are "Quad 1" or "Quad 2" gold.
- Watch the Perimeter Defense: In their five losses, the Pack has struggled to close out on shooters. If you see opponents hitting early threes against Georgia Tech, it might be a long afternoon.
The North Carolina State men's basketball score is finally reflecting the talent on the roster. The 113–69 win wasn't just a fluke—it was a statement. Whether they can back that statement up against the rest of the ACC remains to be seen, but for now, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic in Raleigh.