NC State Controls ACC Opener with 70-57 Win Over Wake Forest

NC State opened ACC play at home with a 70-57 victory over Wake Forest at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Dec. 31, 2025. Quadir Copeland led Wolfpack scoring with 14 points, Paul McNeil Jr. added 13, and Ven-Allen Lubin produced a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Those contributions helped NC State manage the game and secure a strong start in conference competition.

Wake Forest was led offensively by Omaha Biliew, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Juke Harris, who scored 17. Despite those individual efforts, Wake Forest shot roughly 33.9 percent from the floor, made only 8 of 31 three-point attempts, and committed 16 turnovers, factors that allowed NC State to control the pace and limit second-chance opportunities.

On the court, the game reinforced the importance of ball security, efficient shooting and rebounding in conference play. NC State’s early success in the ACC race will be watched closely by local fans and stakeholders. For Wake County residents, collegiate contests such as this are more than sport: they drive business to businesses near the arena, energize student and alumni engagement, and contribute to a shared civic identity centered on Raleigh’s role as a regional sports hub.

There are also public health and equity dimensions to consider as the community returns to in-person events. Large gatherings provide social and mental health benefits by offering shared experiences and opportunities for community connection. At the same time, they raise questions about safe access and inclusion. Organizers and policy makers in Wake County face continuing decisions about crowd management, accessibility for people with disabilities, affordable ticketing for lower-income families, and ensuring that youth from across the county can participate in and benefit from local sports programs.

Investment in community-based athletics, equitable youth development programs and health-promoting amenities around venues can help translate the energy of college sports into long-term community benefits. As NC State moves forward in the ACC schedule, and as Wake Forest looks to rebound, the outcomes of these games will ripple beyond wins and losses, touching local businesses, public health planning and efforts to make sports opportunities more equitable across Wake County.