North Carolina State Dominates Ole Miss with a Convincing 76-62 Victory!
On December 21, 2025, in Greensboro, NC State showcased a stellar performance, overpowering Mississippi with a final score of 76-62. This game was a testament to NC State's strategic gameplay and individual brilliance.
Leading the charge for the Wolfpack was Paul McNeil Jr., whose sharpshooting skills were on full display. He sunk an impressive six 3-pointers, contributing a total of 19 points to the scoreboard. Notably, all 12 of his shot attempts were from beyond the arc, highlighting his confidence and accuracy from long range. McNeil also grabbed six rebounds, adding to his all-around contribution.
Quadir Copeland was another key player for NC State, racking up 16 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Tre Holloman, coming off the bench, also scored 16 points, including three 3-pointers. Ven-Allen Lubin was highly efficient, scoring 15 points with an impressive 7-for-8 shooting performance.
For Ole Miss, Travis Perry led the scoring with 21 points, making 5 of 11 shots from beyond the arc. Malik Dia achieved a double-double, with 18 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season.
NC State's dominance was evident early on, with McNeil's four 3-pointers helping them build a significant 45-26 lead by halftime. Perry scored 11 points in the first half for Mississippi, trying to keep his team in the game.
NC State's early game strategy was particularly effective. Lubin's seven points and Holloman's 3-pointer fueled an 11-0 run, giving NC State a commanding 14-5 lead in the first 5:30 minutes. Although Perry tried to narrow the gap with a jumper, Copeland and Holloman responded with consecutive 3-pointers, extending the lead to 10 points and keeping NC State in control.
In the second half, McNeil's two consecutive 3-pointers further solidified NC State's lead, reaching its peak at 59-31.
What's Next?
- Mississippi will host Alcorn State on December 29.
- NC State will host Wake Forest in an Atlantic Coast Conference opener on December 31.
Controversy Alert: Do you think McNeil's exclusive focus on 3-pointers is a sustainable strategy, or does it limit his overall game? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What was the turning point in the game in your opinion?
