NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
Use Code PPWC
The NC State Wolfpack and Virginia Cavaliers meet in the T. Rowe Price ACC Tournament Quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN2. Virginia enters the matchup as a -5.5 favorite, while NC State is listed at +5.5, and the total for the game is 148.5 according to DraftKings. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Wolfpack Try to Build on Explosive Second-Round Victory
The NC State Wolfpack enter this quarterfinal matchup with a 20-12 overall record and a 10-8 record in ACC play this season. NC State advanced to this round of the ACC Tournament after defeating Pittsburgh 98-88 in the second round. Over their last five games, the Wolfpack have recently won over Pittsburgh, while also recently losing to Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame, and Virginia.
NC State has been a strong offensive team throughout the season, averaging 83.5 points per game while allowing 76.4 points per game. The Wolfpack shoot 47% from the field, collect 35.0 rebounds per game, and average 15.7 assists per contest. Defensively, NC State contributes 3.3 blocks and 8.2 steals per game, often using pressure defense to create transition scoring opportunities.
In their second-round win over Pittsburgh, Quadir Copeland led NC State with 24 points while also dishing out 8 assists, guiding the offense in a highly efficient performance. Ven-Allen Lubin led the Wolfpack on the glass with 5 rebounds in the victory. NC State shot an outstanding 61% from the field and 57% from three-point range in the game while also hitting 85% from the free-throw line. The key question heading into this matchup will be whether the Wolfpack can maintain that level of shooting efficiency on a short turnaround against one of the ACC’s best defensive teams.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Cavaliers Enter Fresh and Balanced After First-Round Bye
The Virginia Cavaliers come into the ACC Tournament quarterfinals with a 27-4 overall record and a 15-3 mark in ACC play, earning a bye into this round. Over their last five games, Virginia has recently won over Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, NC State, and Miami, while also recently losing to Duke.
Virginia averages 80.9 points per game while allowing just 68.3 points per game this season. The Cavaliers shoot 46% from the field, collect 40.8 rebounds per game, and average 16.8 assists per contest. On the defensive side, Virginia contributes 6.2 blocks and 6.6 steals per game, combining interior protection with disciplined half-court defense.
In their most recent game, Virginia defeated Virginia Tech 76-72, with Ugonna Onyenso leading the Cavaliers with 16 points on efficient shooting. Thijs De Ridder controlled the glass with 8 rebounds while also contributing offensively in the win. Virginia shot 45% from the field and 36% from three-point range while also hitting 88% of their free throws, demonstrating the balanced offensive approach that has carried them throughout the season. With extra rest from their tournament bye and a strong defensive identity, the Cavaliers will aim to control the tempo against an NC State team coming off a high-scoring game.
NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers Pick
NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers Spread Pick
- Pick: Virginia Cavaliers -5.5
Virginia enters this matchup with both the rest advantage and one of the most disciplined defensive units in the ACC. NC State is coming off an explosive offensive performance, but replicating that efficiency against Virginia’s defense will be far more difficult. The Cavaliers already defeated the Wolfpack convincingly earlier in the season, and their rebounding edge and defensive consistency should allow them to control the game.
NC State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers Total Pick
- Pick: Under 148.5
I like the under in this matchup because Virginia tends to dictate a more controlled tempo, especially in tournament settings. While NC State pushed the pace in their last game, the Cavaliers are strong defensively and excel at forcing opponents into half-court possessions. With Virginia likely slowing the game down and focusing on efficient offensive possessions, I expect this total to stay below the number.
Final Score Prediction: Virginia 75, NC State 68
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
