The rivalry between the UNC Tar Heels and the NC State Wolfpack runs deep. It’s a year-round battle fought across every sport, fueled by the close proximity of the two universities. Whether it’s on the gridiron or the hardwood, Carolina vs. State is always a must-watch event.
Recently, the men’s and women’s basketball teams clashed, resulting in two very different games. One was a dominant showing, while the other went down to the wire.
This article will dive into those two basketball games, exploring the key moments, standout performances, and what they mean for both the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack.
Women’s Basketball: A Thrilling Victory for the Tar Heels
If you like a nail-biter, the UNC vs. NC State women’s basketball game on February 22, 2024, was one for the ages. The two teams battled back and forth, trading the lead multiple times, until the very last second. When the dust settled, the Tar Heels emerged victorious, 66-65.
Key Player Performances
Reniya Kelly had a career-high performance, racking up 23 points and sinking five three-pointers. Her contributions were critical to the Tar Heels’ win.
Lexi Donarski also had a solid night, scoring 10 points, including two three-pointers. Maria Gakdeng added 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds.
Significance of the Win
This win marked Carolina’s fourth victory over a ranked team this season, and their third at home. More importantly, the Tar Heels snapped NC State’s nine-game winning streak and extended their own to five games.
With the win, the Tar Heels improved their record to 23-4 overall and 11-3 in the ACC. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, fell to 20-5 overall and 12-2 in conference play. The game was a thriller, and the Tar Heels proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
Men’s Basketball: Tar Heels Dominate the Wolfpack
It was a blue-sky kind of day for UNC fans on Saturday as the Tar Heels trounced the NC State Wolfpack 97-73 in a decisive victory at the Dean Smith Center.
A Decisive Victory
From the tip-off, UNC came out strong, building a significant lead in the first half that the Wolfpack simply couldn’t overcome. The Tar Heels maintained a consistent, steady performance throughout the second half, leaving no doubt about which team owned the court.
Statistical Dominance
The numbers tell the story: UNC’s shooting percentage was a superior 57.4% overall, and an even more impressive 60% in the second half, compared to NCSU’s 45.8%. The Tar Heels also dominated on the boards, out-rebounding the Wolfpack 40 to 21. The paint belonged to UNC as well, with 52 points compared to NCSU’s 26.
Key Players and Quotes
RJ Davis led the charge with 21 points and 5 assists, while Seth Trimble contributed a solid 15 points and 7 rebounds. Ven-Allen Lubin added 13 points, and Ian Jackson chipped in with 12.
After the game, Coach Hubert Davis praised the team’s complete performance. RJ Davis gave a shoutout to the fans, thanking them for their unwavering support.
How the Two Games Stacked Up
Even though both the UNC and NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams faced off, the games themselves were quite different, as were the implications for the teams’ tournament prospects and the fans’ experience.
Different Game, Different Feel
The women’s game was a tense, close battle with multiple lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The men’s game, however, saw a more dominant and consistent performance from UNC.
Why the difference? It could come down to team composition, player matchups, or even the coaching strategies employed that day.
ACC Standings and Tournament Hopes
Of course, wins and losses have a big impact on a team’s standing in the ACC. A win can improve a team’s chances of getting a good seed in the ACC tournament, while a loss can do the opposite.
A win against a ranked team like the Wolfpack could give the UNC women’s team a boost when it comes to NCAA tournament seeding. The Tar Heel men’s dominant win only reinforced their already strong position.
Fan Energy
Fan attendance and the overall atmosphere can play a big role in rivalry games. Weather can also affect attendance, as it did for the men’s game.
Rivalry games always have a special energy, and the support of the fans can be a huge advantage for the home team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Carolina vs. State?
Game broadcasts depend on the sport and the year, but generally, you can find Carolina vs. State games on major sports networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, and Fox Sports. Check local listings or streaming services like ESPN+ or FuboTV for specific game schedules.
Who is NC State’s biggest rival?
Without a doubt, NC State’s biggest rival is the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels. The rivalry spans across all sports, but the basketball and football matchups are especially intense, fueled by geographical proximity and passionate fan bases.
How many times has Carolina won NCAA?
The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels have a rich history of NCAA championships. They’ve won multiple titles in men’s basketball, as well as championships in other sports like men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and men’s lacrosse. The exact number varies each year, so checking the official NCAA website or UNC Athletics is the best way to get the current count.
Did NC State beat Notre Dame by the score of 66 65 in 2025?
As of today, anything that happens in 2025 is still in the future, so it’s impossible to say whether NC State beat Notre Dame by that score. Game outcomes are unpredictable, and you’ll have to wait and see what happens when they play!
Summary
The recent basketball double-header between the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack gave fans a taste of everything that makes college sports exciting. The women’s game was a nail-biter, with the Tar Heels pulling out a thrilling victory. In contrast, the men’s game was a dominant performance by UNC, showcasing their strength and depth.
The UNC-NC State rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that binds these two universities and their passionate fan bases. It’s a constant back-and-forth, a bragging-rights battle that extends beyond the basketball court and into every corner of campus life.
Looking ahead, the rivalry will continue to unfold in other sports and future basketball matchups. Whether it’s on the court, the field, or the track, the competition between UNC and NC State is a never-ending story, one that will undoubtedly provide more unforgettable moments for years to come.