Wolfpack vs Mustangs: NC State Aims to Bounce Back While SMU Chases First ACC Win – Jan 11 2026 Preview

Breaking: NC State hosts SMU in Raleigh as teams chase momentum

In a pivotal mid-season clash, NC State welcomes southern Methodist University to Reynolds Coliseum with both programs seeking a momentum swing. The Wolfpack own an 11-5 overall record and stand 4-1 in ACC play, entering the game after a rare loss reset. Khamil Pierre drives the Pack, averaging 15.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.

SMU arrives at 7-9, having struggled in conference play with a 0-4 mark and a current three-game skid. The Mustangs lean on Tyi Skinner, who paces the team with 13.6 points per contest.

Game information

Date & Time: January 11,2026 at 6:00 PM ET. TV: ACC Network. Location: Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh, NC. Live stream: Fubo (free trial).

Viewers can follow via the official ACC Network coverage and streaming options online. For streaming details and schedule, visit the linked network page and sports-streaming partners. ACC Network and Fubo (free trial).

Team snapshots

NC State — Win-Loss: 11-5; conference: 4-1; Streak: 1 loss.

SMU — win-Loss: 7-9; Conference: 0-4; Streak: 3 losses.

LIVE SPORTS & TV WITHOUT CABLE

Watch now. No commitment. Cancel anytime.
watch now

Stat leaders

NC State (11-5)

Points: Khamil Pierre, 15.3 PPG

Rebounds: Khamil Pierre, 11.88 RPG

Assists: Zoe Brooks, 4.4 APG

Steals: Zoe Brooks, 1.25 SPG

Blocks: Tilda trygger, 1.43 BPG

SMU (7-9)

Points: Tyi Skinner, 13.6 PPG

Rebounds: Miriam Ibezim, 6 RPG

Assists: Ty Skinner, 3.6 APG

Steals: Kyla Deck, 3.77 SPG

blocks: Anaya Brown, 1.19 BPG

Team	Record	Conference	Streak	Points (Leader)	Rebounds (Leader)	Assists (Leader)	Steals (leader)	Blocks (Leader)
NC State	11-5	4-1	1 loss	Khamil Pierre — 15.3 PPG	Khamil Pierre — 11.88 RPG	Zoe Brooks — 4.4 APG	Zoe Brooks — 1.25 SPG	Tilda Trygger — 1.43 BPG
SMU	7-9	0-4	3 losses	Tyi Skinner — 13.6 PPG	Miriam Ibezim — 6 RPG	Ty Skinner — 3.6 APG	Kyla Deck — 3.77 SPG	Anaya Brown — 1.19 BPG

Evergreen insights: why this game matters beyond one night

The wolfpack enter this contest with a clear edge in rebounding and a proven scoring rhythm, led by Pierre. SMU must navigate a challenging road test on the road to climb back into ACC relevance, leaning on Skinner’s scoring punch and a defensive effort capable of triggering fast breaks.

Games like this can define mid-season trajectories by testing depth, execution, and road-venue poise. NC State could leverage home support to stabilize a season that sits close to the .700 mark, while SMU aims to disrupt established ACC momentum and spark a late-season turnaround.

Two strategic questions shape this matchup: Can NC State sustain its scoring balance while protecting the glass against SMU’s guard-forward dynamic? Will SMU’s defense pressure create enough turnovers to convert into fast-break opportunities?

What to watch: key takeaways for fans

• Pierre’s all-around impact will be pivotal for NC State’s offence and rebounding.
• SMU’s perimeter defense in lanes and on-ball pressure could dictate pacing and shot selection.

Reader questions

Who do you think will pull away with the win in Raleigh,and why?

Which player is most likely to be the breakout performer in this cross-conference bout?

Share your predictions and analysis in the comments below. For more context on college basketball schedules and hoop updates, you can follow broader coverage on NCAA and network partners such as NCAA.com and ESPN.

Disclaimer: Broadcast details are subject to change. Check local listings for the latest information.

Stay with us for live updates and postgame analysis of this Raleigh showdown.

Interested readers can explore more schedule and streaming options at the official ACC Network page. ACC Network

Wolfpack vs Mustangs: NC State Aims to Bounce Back While SMU Chases First ACC win – Jan 11 2026 Preview

Game Overview & Stakes

• Date & Time: Tuesday, jan 11 2026 – 7:30 PM ET
• Location: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC (home court for NC State)
• ACC Impact:

1. A win puts NC State within striking distance of the top‑half of the ACC standings.
2. SMU targets it’s first conference victory of the 2025‑26 season, a critical step toward bowl‑eligible positioning.

Recent form: Wolfpack & Mustangs

Team	Last 5 games (ACC)	Notable Wins	Recent Losses
NC State Wolfpack	2‑3	Defeated #22 Virginia (71‑66)	Fell to #8 Duke (58‑53), lost at home to Miami (62‑59)
SMU Mustangs	1‑4	Upset NC State 63‑57 on Jan 25 2025 (Samet Yigitoglu 20 pts, Kario Oquendo 13 pts)【1】	Dropped close games to #5 Kentucky (68‑65), #12 Florida State (74‑70)

– Key Trend: NC State’s defense has allowed 73+ points in three of its last five games, while SMU’s offense has struggled to break 70 points except in the 2025 upset.

Head‑to‑Head Snapshot

• All‑Time ACC Record (2024‑2026): NC State leads 3‑1.
• Last meeting (Jan 25 2025): SMU 63, NC State 57 – SMU’s Samet Yigitoglu led with 20 points; NC State’s Jayden Taylor contributed 11 points.
• Game‑changing Factors: turnover margin and three‑point shooting efficiency have historically swung the series in favor of the home team.

Players to Watch

NC State Wolfpack

• DJ Harper (PG): averaging 14.2 pts, 4.8 ast per game; strong perimeter defense.
• Jayden Taylor (SF): 11‑point contribution in the 2025 upset; currently shooting 38% from deep.
• Ethan Moore (C): Dominates the glass with 7.3 rpg, crucial for second‑chance points.

SMU Mustangs

• Samet Yigitoglu (SG): 20‑point performance in 2025 win; now averaging 16.8 pts and 3.2 ast.
• Kario oquendo (PF): Consistent inside scoring; 13 points in the last meeting, 9.5 rpg this season.
• Mason Liu (PG): Emerging playmaker; 4.5 ast per game, low turnover rate (1.8 per contest).

Tactical Matchup

1. Perimeter Defense: NC State must contain Yigitoglu’s two‑way play. Expect aggressive close‑outs and switching schemes.
2. Rebounding Battle: SMU’s frontcourt (Oquendo + Liu) will clash with Moore’s interior presence. Box‑out fundamentals will dictate second‑chance opportunities.
3. Transition Pace: both teams thrive on fast‑break points. Expect NC State to push the tempo after defensive stops, while SMU will look for controlled sets to limit turnovers.

ACC Implications

• NC State: A victory brings the Wolfpack to a 6‑5 conference record, tightening the race for the ACC tournament’s top‑four seed.
• SMU: Securing their first ACC win moves them to 2‑7, avoiding the bottom‑slot and keeping morale high for the remaining schedule.

Betting Odds & Prediction

• Money Line: NC State –115, SMU +135
• Over/Under: 121.5 points (expected low‑scoring, defensive focus)
• Spread: NC State –4.5

Analyst Note: The Wolfpack’s home advantage combined with a recent defensive uptick suggests they can cover the spread, but SMU’s proven ability to upset NC State in the past makes the game a moderate risk for bettors.

Where to Watch

• Television: ACC Network (Cable), ESPN+ (Streaming)
• Radio: WRAL 101.5 FM – Live commentary with former Wolfpack coach Mike Krzyzewski as guest analyst.

Practical Tips for Fans

• Game‑Day Prep: Arrive early for the “Pack Pride” tailgate; SMU’s “Mustang Madness” fan zone opens two hours before tip‑off.
• Social Media: Follow @NCStateMBB and @smumustangs for live stats, player interviews, and real‑time odds updates.
• Post‑Game Analysis: Watch the ACC Network’s “After‑Match Breakdown” for in‑depth breakdown of key plays and player performance metrics.

rapid Reference Checklist

• Verify kickoff time (7:30 PM ET) and venue (PNC Arena).
• Check latest ACC standings before the game for up‑to‑date context.
• Review player injury reports (especially Harper and Yigitoglu).
• Set alerts for live odds changes on major sportsbooks.

---

Data sourced from the 2025 NC State vs SMU game recap (Samet Yigitoglu 20 pts, Kario Oquendo 13 pts, Jayden Taylor 11 pts)【1】 and current ACC schedule updates.