Raleigh, North Carolina, December 24, 2025
NC State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams wrapped up their non-conference schedules with significant victories. The men’s team secured a 76-62 win over Ole Miss, while the women’s team triumphed 68-59 against Davidson. With these results, both teams head into Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play ready to build on their success and face new challenges as they aim for postseason tournaments.
Raleigh, North Carolina
NC State Basketball Teams Conclude Non-Conference Schedules with Recent Victories
NC State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have successfully wrapped up their non-conference portions of the 2025-26 season this past weekend, securing important victories before transitioning to full Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The men’s team defeated Ole Miss in a tightly contested matchup that saw their commanding lead diminish, while the women’s team also emerged victorious in their final non-conference calendar game against Davidson. These results position both programs for their respective conference challenges in the new year.
Men’s Team Navigates Challenging Finale Against Ole Miss
The NC State men’s basketball team closed its non-conference schedule with a 76-62 victory over Ole Miss on Sunday, December 21, 2025, inside First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Although the Wolfpack ultimately secured a decisive win, the game featured a period of intense play where Ole Miss significantly reduced a large deficit, creating a more competitive atmosphere as the clock wound down.
Leading the charge for the Wolfpack was Paul McNeil, Jr., who had a standout performance, scoring 19 points and successfully converting six shots from beyond the three-point arc. His exceptional shooting was a key factor in NC State’s offense. Supporting McNeil, Quadir Copeland delivered an all-around effort, contributing 16 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. Additionally, Tre Holloman and Ven-Allen Lubin were significant offensive contributors, adding 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Early in the game, NC State’s defense proved formidable, holding the Ole Miss Rebels scoreless for more than seven consecutive minutes, which helped the Wolfpack establish an early lead. Despite building a substantial 28-point advantage in the second half, the Rebels mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 14 points after a 17-7 scoring run that began with a three by Travis Perry. However, NC State maintained control to seal the victory.
Following his impressive display, Paul McNeil, Jr., was recognized for his stellar play, being named the ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week on Monday, December 22. This accolade highlights his crucial role in the team’s recent success.
The men’s team will now prepare for the start of their ACC schedule, with their next game set for New Year’s Eve, when they will host Wake Forest for their conference opener. This game will mark the transition from non-conference challenges to the demanding matchups within the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Women’s Team Secures Road Win to Close Out Calendar Year Non-Conference Play
The NC State women’s basketball team also concluded a significant portion of their non-conference schedule with a 68-59 road victory over Davidson on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This win improved the team’s overall record to 9-4 and their ACC conference record to 2-0. The game represented their final non-conference matchup of the 2025 calendar year.
This hard-fought win on the road demonstrated the team’s resilience as they navigated a challenging away game. The victory ensures the Wolfpack women head into the heart of their schedule with strong momentum, having successfully managed their early-season tests.
Broader Context of Non-Conference Play
The non-conference portion of the basketball season serves as a crucial preparatory phase for collegiate teams, allowing them to test their lineups, refine strategies, and build team chemistry against diverse opponents before the rigor of conference play begins. For the NC State men’s team, the 2025-26 non-conference slate included matchups against five teams that participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, alongside other opponents who had made March Madness appearances since 2019. This challenging schedule was intentionally designed by first-year head coach Will Wade to ready the team for high-level competition. The men’s program played 13 non-conference games before starting ACC play.
Similarly, the women’s non-conference schedule provided opportunities to face formidable competition, including an exhibition game against No. 10 Maryland and early season tournaments. These games are vital for establishing a competitive rhythm and evaluating player performance in various game scenarios before entering the intensified environment of ACC matchups.
Both NC State basketball programs aim for strong performances in the ACC, with the men’s team transitioning from a 9-4 non-conference record and the women’s team holding a 9-4 overall record, including an early 2-0 start in conference play. The conclusion of non-conference play marks a pivotal point, as both teams now focus entirely on their ACC aspirations, which will define their paths toward the postseason tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did NC State men’s basketball wrap up its non-conference schedule?
The NC State men’s basketball team closed its non-conference schedule on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
What was the score of the NC State men’s game against Ole Miss?
NC State men’s basketball defeated Ole Miss with a score of 76-62.
Who were the top performers for the NC State men’s team in their last non-conference game?
Paul McNeil, Jr. scored 19 points with six three-pointers, Quadir Copeland contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Tre Holloman and Ven-Allen Lubin added 16 and 15 points, respectively.
When did the NC State women’s basketball team play its last non-conference calendar game?
The NC State women’s basketball team concluded a significant portion of their non-conference schedule with a game on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
What was the result of the NC State women’s game against Davidson?
The NC State women’s basketball team secured a 68-59 road victory over Davidson.
What is next for the NC State men’s basketball team?
The men’s team will now prepare for the start of their ACC schedule, with their next game set for New Year’s Eve, when they will host Wake Forest for their conference opener.
What is the current record for the NC State women’s basketball team?
After their recent victory, the NC State women’s basketball team improved its overall record to 9-4 and their ACC conference record to 2-0.
Recent NC State Basketball Non-Conference Game Summaries
| Team | Opponent | Date | Result (NC State Score) | Key Performers | Non-Conference Record (End) | Next Game / Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Basketball | Ole Miss | Sunday, December 21, 2025 | Win (76-62) | Paul McNeil, Jr. (19 pts), Quadir Copeland (16 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast), Tre Holloman (16 pts), Ven-Allen Lubin (15 pts) | 9-4 | vs. Wake Forest (ACC Opener) on New Year’s Eve |
| Women’s Basketball | Davidson | Sunday, December 21, 2025 | Win (68-59) | Details not specified in sources for individual performers, focus on team result. | 9-4 Overall, 2-0 ACC | Final non-conference matchup of 2025 calendar year |
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