Men’s ACC Tournament Day 2 (3-11-2026)
By: Joe Dillard Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: ACC
(Day 2) See-Saw matchups with track races and defensive struggles provide the key for quarterfinal matchups
(1) #15 Pitt 88 vs #7 NC State 98
In a fast-paced game just the way N.C. State likes it, Quadir Copeland put on a show as the Wolfpack outlasted Pitt with a balanced attack having 6 players in double figures led by Copeland with 24. Cameron Corhen of Pitt led all scorers with 27 points but it was not enough as Pitt wasted great opportunities at good looks to the rim. Both teams combined for 25-50 from three-point land, while hitting 43-52 from the foul line collectively. Talk about no defense in this one. This is why the game was all about a make or a miss as several players were efficient, but it will be N.C. State is moving forward to face Virginia in the quarterfinal round.
(2) #11 SMU 58 vs #6 Louisville 62
In a defensive struggle, Louisville puts the clamps on SMU holding BoopieMiller to 4-17 shooting. SMU had a couple shots towards the end led by Jarron Pierre who finished with 17 points and hit 5 three pointers. Louisville was led by Ryan Conwell with 16 points but continued to show even on a bad night shooting that they could get stops which ultimately led to the victory. Louisville will advance to play Miami and will likely raise its stock with a victory in the quarterfinal round.
(3) #8 FSU 95 vs #9 California 89
In a matchup where I think the winner will make the NCAA tourney off of this win alone this matchup was must-see as Florida State outlasted California in a wild shootout to advance and face Duke in the quarterfinals. Cal was led by UVA transfer Dai Dai Ames who poured in 27 points while having others score as well, it was Florida State who essentially outshined the Golden Bears who now will have to watch and hope the cards fall into their hands and receive a bid. For FSU, Robert McCray V had the highlight of the day with a windmill dunk and delivering a 30-piece with extra sauce to make a statement to the NCAA committee and to face the automatic qualifier of beating Duke and punching a ticket.
(4) #13 Wake Forest 62 vs #5 Clemson 71
In a game where shots needed to be made as both teams displayed a desperation to advance it was Clemson who leaned on their identity to advance with a balanced well-oiled machine. Juke Harris (22pts) led the way for Wake along with Nate Calmese (20) and Tre’Von Spillers (15) as the only three players with more than one basket made. The rest of the Deacons went a combined 2-15. Clemson on the other hand had RJ Godrey as the only player in double figures and was the only one however all 10 Tigers scored a bucket and will advance to face North Carolina in the quarterfinal matchup.
