unc vs nc state — Wolfpack routs Tar Heels, handshake jab aimed at injured Caleb Wilson
In a lopsided Tuesday night outing in Raleigh on Feb. 18, 2026 (ET), NC State delivered its largest margin of victory over North Carolina since 1962, cruising to an 82-58 win. The result leaves the Tar Heels reeling and introduces a sideline storyline that could linger if the rivals meet again in the postseason.
Dominant showing on both ends for Wolfpack
NC State controlled the game from the opening tip, exploiting perimeter and paint inefficiency from the Tar Heels. North Carolina managed just 32% shooting overall and connected on only 15% of its 3-point attempts, numbers that rarely produce a comeback against a disciplined opponent. The Wolfpack balanced attack and stingy defense produced repeated stops and transition opportunities, and the scoreboard reflected the gap early and often.
Quadir Copeland carried the scoring load for NC State, finishing with 20 points to lead all scorers. The Wolfpack’s defense forced turnovers and contested shots, while their own shooting rhythm remained consistent enough to force the Tar Heels into an uphill battle for most of the night.
Handshake-line exchange spotlights injury and emotion
The on-court result was accompanied by tense postgame moments at the handshake line. Copeland was seen engaging with members of the Tar Heels’ bench, and a pointed comment directed at freshman Caleb Wilson drew immediate attention. With Wilson sidelined and wearing a brace after suffering a fractured hand, Copeland told him to "lace up next time" — a line that landed as celebration met sympathetic frustration.
The remark underscored the heat of a rivalry that can amplify even brief interactions. Trash talk and bravado are common in rivalry basketball, but the context here — a star freshman nursing a hand injury and unable to play — complicated the exchange. Wilson missed his second straight game with the injury and remains uncertain to return on a timeline of his own choosing rather than one set by opponents.
Implications and what comes next
The two teams are not scheduled to meet again in the regular season, which means this result stands until any potential postseason meeting. If the rivals cross paths in the conference tournament and Wilson is healthy, the code of competition suggests he will have extra motivation to answer the handshakes on the court rather than from the bench.
For the Wolfpack, the win is a signature moment — an emphatic statement that their recent form can produce dominant results in high-profile rivalry settings. For the Tar Heels, the defeat raises immediate questions about perimeter shooting, depth, and how the roster will respond with key contributors sidelined. Coaches will face choices on rotation tweaks, injury management, and mental reset in the days ahead.
Rivalry games have a habit of shaping narratives far beyond a single box score. This one left the Wolfpack with a historic margin and a soundbite that will travel. The Tar Heels now must take stock, treat the injury situation with care, and prepare for whatever rivalry chapter arrives next — postseason or otherwise.
