Most fans see a matchup between a Big South school like Presbyterian and an ACC powerhouse like NC State and immediately pencil in a blowout. They think it's just a "buy game." A paycheck. Honestly, though? You've got to look closer at the history to see that the Blue Hose have a habit of making the Wolfpack sweat way more than Kevin Keatts would probably like to admit.
Take their most recent meeting on November 8, 2024. NC State walked away with an 81-72 win at the Lenovo Center, but that score doesn't tell the whole story. For long stretches of that game, it felt like Presbyterian was one big run away from causing a total meltdown in Raleigh.
What Actually Happened in the Last Game
NC State came out firing, shooting a blistering 55.4% from the field. That’s usually enough to bury a smaller program by halftime. But Presbyterian's Kory Mincy had other plans. He went absolutely nuclear, dropping 28 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Every time the Pack tried to pull away, Mincy would hit a tough bucket or find a teammate to keep things within reach.
The Wolfpack eventually leaned on their depth and tempo—scoring 27 points in transition—to secure the victory. Jayden Taylor led the way for State with 19 points, while Michael O’Connell played the "glue guy" role perfectly with 11 points and eight rebounds. It was a professional win, sure, but it wasn't the cakewalk many expected.
Presbyterian vs NC State: A History of Close Calls
Historically, NC State holds a 3-0 lead in the modern era of basketball matchups (dating back to 2008). But if you look at the margins, it’s not exactly a series of 40-point beatdowns.
- January 5, 2008: NC State escaped with a 50-43 win. That's a rock fight by any definition.
- November 16, 2017: A more comfortable 86-68 victory for the Wolfpack.
- November 8, 2024: The 81-72 battle mentioned above.
When you average it out, the Wolfpack is winning by about 11 points per game. In the world of high-major vs. mid-major basketball, that’s remarkably competitive. Presbyterian knows how to slow the pace and disrupt the rhythm of ACC offenses.
The Football Connection
It isn't just a basketball thing. These two schools have met on the gridiron as well, though much less frequently. The most recent football clash was back in September 2014, where NC State dominated 42-0.
Interestingly, if you go back to the "ancient history" of the programs, they actually have a split record. Way back in 1930, Presbyterian actually beat NC State 2-0. Yes, a 2-0 football game. That’s the kind of stat that makes you realize how weird and wonderful college sports history can be.
Why the Blue Hose Keep It Competitive
Kinda weird to think about, right? How does a school with a fraction of the budget keep up?
Basically, it comes down to the "nothing to lose" mentality. When Presbyterian travels to Raleigh, they aren't playing under the pressure of ACC standings or NCAA tournament seeds. They play loose. In the 2024 matchup, they out-hustled the Wolfpack on several 50/50 balls, and their shot selection was disciplined.
NC State, on the other hand, often uses these games to integrate new transfers. In 2024, they were still figuring out the chemistry between guys like Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and the returning guards. That early-season "figuring it out" phase is exactly when a disciplined team like Presbyterian strikes.
Key Stats That Matter
If you’re betting or just analyzing these future matchups, keep these numbers in your head:
- Field Goal Percentage: NC State typically shoots over 50% against Presbyterian. If that number dips below 45%, the game stays in the single digits.
- Points in the Paint: The Wolfpack’s size advantage is usually their get-out-of-jail-free card. In the last game, their ability to score 27 transition points was the literal difference-maker.
- The "Mincy Factor": Small schools always have that one guard who can play at any level. Finding who that guy is for Presbyterian is the first step to predicting the spread.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
As we move through the 2025-2026 season, NC State is looking to maintain its status as a perennial ACC contender following their legendary Final Four run in 2024. They’ve proven they can win the big ones, but they still have to navigate these tricky non-conference games without tripping.
👉 See also: Wake Forest Football Game: Why the Deacs are Still the Most Frustrating Team to Bet Against
Presbyterian is focused on climbing the Big South ladder. Games against NC State are more than just losses on a record; they are recruiting tools. Being able to tell a recruit, "We went into Raleigh and played the Wolfpack to a three-possession game," carries a lot of weight.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the early-season schedule: These matchups almost always happen in the first two weeks of November. It’s the best time to see NC State’s new transfers in action.
- Check the spread: If the line is 20+, history suggests taking the Blue Hose to cover. They rarely get blown out of the water.
- Follow the guards: Keep an eye on Presbyterian’s backcourt development in the Big South; those are the guys who end up giving the ACC trouble.
The gap between the "big guys" and the "little guys" is shrinking. Every time Presbyterian vs NC State shows up on the calendar, it's a reminder that on any given night, the jersey doesn't win the game—the execution does.