It’s already been an eventful year for NC State Athletics, with fall sports teams making their marks in both home and away matches all semester. But as the weather turns colder, the indoor winter sports will soon have their moments to shine.
Whether it’s your first time in PNC Arena or Reynolds Coliseum or you’re a winter sports fanatic, there are plenty of games that all NC State fans should plan on watching.
Wrestling vs. VT — Feb. 23, 2024
With the Pack coming off of its fifth ACC Championship in a row, the red-and-white has a large target on its back heading into this season. FloWrestling currently has NC State at No. 8 in its preseason rankings, and the Hokies at No. 4.
Last season, the Wolfpack finished off with a 14-1 record, with its one and only loss at the hands of the Hokies. That matchup was hosted in Blacksburg, Virginia, but this year the rivalry will be held in Raleigh, giving the Pack a home-mat advantage.
The 16-14 loss last season was the closest loss NC State suffered during the season, giving it the motivation to come back to Raleigh and dominate the Hokies in Reynolds for one of the most intimidating atmospheres in NCAA wrestling.
Women’s Basketball vs. UConn — Nov. 12, 2023
The past few matchups between these two teams have created one of the newest and most intense rivalries in women’s college basketball. Since the Final Four game in March of 2022 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, NC State has been itching to get one back on the Huskies.
Last year, this grueling matchup was hosted by UConn. It used its home court advantage in a 91-69 win. While this might seem like a death wish game for the Pack, it can be a huge momentum builder leading into the 2023-24 season.
A matchup between junior guard Aziaha James and redshirt junior guard Paige Bueckers is one that could set the tone for the rest of the season. James played in all 32 games last season and was named starter in the final six matchups. Safe to say, the Wolfpack guard is looking to make her mark on the NC State court — especially against a generational program like UConn.
The red-and-white will take on the Huskies in its third game of the season. Reynolds Coliseum is known for its incredible basketball atmosphere, and the Wolfpack faithful are sure to show up in droves in the Sunday afternoon showdown.
Men’s Basketball vs. UNC-Chapel Hill — Jan. 10, 2024
Soon enough it’ll be that time of the year — the time where NC State fans hold nothing back and the Tar Heels set foot in PNC Arena.
This game is consistently one of the most highly anticipated matchups by fans of Wolfpack Athletics. Since last year’s 77-69 home win over the Tar Heels, many red-and-white fans are looking to repeat against one of the best programs in college basketball.
While UNC is ranked No. 19 in the AP preseason poll, the Heels are no strangers to dropping quickly in rankings. Last year, Carolina entered the season ranked No. 1 but rapidly fell out of the top 25 after just four weeks of play. That being said, NC State needs to step up its game to ensure that UNC doesn’t use this game as a stepping stone to a higher ranking.
Despite losing its elite backcourt duo of Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner, the Pack’s roster this season is looking strong, especially with room for new players to become stars. Basketball season has snuck up on the Pack, but fans of the red-and-white should start clearing their schedule for Wednesday, Jan. 10.
