NC State Visits Wake Forest in Crucial ACC Matchup
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., January 31, 2026 – The NC State Wolfpack, riding high in the ACC standings, travel to face the struggling Wake Forest Demon Deacons in a Saturday afternoon conference showdown. The Wolfpack look to solidify their position, while the Deacons are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak.
Game Preview
The NC State Wolfpack (15-6, 6-2 ACC) enter this contest as road favorites, fresh off an 88-68 victory over Syracuse where forward Darrion Williams scored 23 points. They face a Wake Forest team (11-10, 2-6 ACC) that has found the going tough since conference play began. This is a rematch of a December 31, 2025, meeting, which NC State won 70-57 at home, holding Wake Forest to just 29 percent shooting. The all-time series heavily favors the Wolfpack, 153-110.
Key Facts & Team Trends
| Statistic | NC State Wolfpack | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record (ACC) | 15-6 (6-2) | 11-10 (2-6) |
| Current Streak | Won 1 | Lost 3 |
| Key Player | F Darrion Williams (23 pts last game) | G Juke Harris (2nd in ACC scoring) |
| Injury Report | F Scottie Ebube (Out – Injury) | G Nate Calmese (Out – Ankle), G Mekhi Mason (Available) |
| Betting Line (as of Jan 30) | NC State -3.5 | |
What to Watch For
NC State’s strength lies in its defense and efficient offense, led by transfer forward Ven-Allen Lubin, who is shooting a conference-leading 68.5% from the field. Head coach Will Wade has emphasized meeting higher team standards following their win over Syracuse. For Wake Forest, the absence of starting point guard Nate Calmese (ankle) is a major blow. The Demon Deacons will rely heavily on the perimeter scoring of Juke Harris and hope for a return to form at home in the Joel Coliseum. Myles Colvin, who had 18 points in a recent game, will also be a key factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the NC State vs. Wake Forest game?
The game tips off at 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
How can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on regional sports networks. Check local listings for the ACC Network or ESPN platforms.
Who is favored to win?
NC State is favored by 3.5 points as the visiting team, according to most sportsbooks. The Wolfpack have the better record and won the previous matchup decisively last month.
What is at stake for Wake Forest?
This game represents a critical opportunity for Wake Forest to secure a marquee conference win and stop their current slide. A loss would further dent their NCAA tournament hopes and extend their losing streak to four games.