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Key Takeaways
- NC State opened the Will Wade era with a dominant 114-66 victory over North Carolina Central, tying a program record with 19 three-pointers.
- Seven NC State players scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s balanced scoring attack.
- ACC Preseason Player of the Year Darrion Williams had a standout performance with 19 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds.
- The game marks the return of UAB head coach Andy Kennedy to NC State, where he won an ACC Championship as a player in 1987.
- NC State boasts a strong record against non-conference opponents at home, with a 67-3 record since 2016-17.
- Will Wade’s teams are known for their aggressive defense, particularly in generating steals.
Game Preview: NC State vs. UAB
The NC State men’s basketball team continues its season Friday night as it hosts the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on the ACC Network. Fans can also tune into the Wolfpack Sports Network to hear the commentary. Both teams are coming off dominant wins in their season openers.
Pack’s Dominant Season Opener
NC State began the Will Wade era with an impressive 114-66 victory over North Carolina Central. The Wolfpack tied a program record by sinking 19 three-pointers. Their point total was the second-highest in Lenovo Center history. The Pack shot 19-of-40 from beyond the arc, with seven different players contributing at least one three-pointer. Four players stood out from beyond the arc with at least three triples – Tre Holloman, Paul McNeil Jr., Darrion Williams, and Matt Able.
The Wolfpack showcased a balanced scoring attack, with seven players reaching double figures. This level of scoring distribution is a rare feat, only occurring one other time in at least the last 25 years. NC State’s offense was highly efficient, shooting 57.8% from the field, its highest percentage in a game since December 6, 2023. The starting lineup was particularly effective, shooting a combined 68.6% from the field and 61.9% from three-point range.
Williams Shines in Season Debut
Darrion Williams, the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, delivered a stellar performance in just 24 minutes of action. He led the team with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. He also recorded a game-high eight assists and four rebounds. This strong start under new head coach Will Wade has created a lot of excitement for Pack fans. Wade previously led McNeese to a 58-11 record and consecutive Southland Conference regular season and tournament titles. In his last game with McNeese, Wade led them to their first ever NCAA Tournament win, upsetting fifth-seeded Clemson.
Storylines to Watch
The game marks a return to Raleigh for UAB head coach Andy Kennedy, who began his college career at NC State. Kennedy was a member of the Wolfpack team that won the ACC Championship in 1987. Current NC State radio analyst Chucky Brown was also a teammate of Kennedy’s on that championship squad. NC State has an exceptional record against non-conference opponents in regular season home games, going 67-3 since the 2016-17 season. The combined margin of victory for NC State and UAB in their respective season openers totaled 99 points.
Quadir Copeland of NC State and Chance Westry of UAB were teammates at Syracuse during the 2023-24 season, though Westry missed the entire season due to injury. NC State had an excellent shooting performance with a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in its win over NC Central. UAB, however, presents a tougher defensive challenge, having held Mississippi Valley State to just 29.1% shooting and forcing 26 turnovers.
Both teams have undergone significant roster changes. NC State added 13 new players, while UAB brought in 12 new players. The teams only have three total returning players from last season. NC State had 13 steals in their win over NC Central, highlighting the aggressive defensive style that is a hallmark of Will Wade’s teams. His teams have consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in steals.
Series History
UAB won the only previous meeting between the two programs, defeating NC State 72-52 in Birmingham back in 2010. NC State holds an all-time record of 51-12 against teams currently in the American Athletic Conference.
