Florida State men’s hoops vs. NC State: Preview, how to watch, game thread

After a week off, Florida State men’s basketball (7-8, 0-2) returns to action with a noon matchup against NC State (11-5, 2-1). The Seminoles are still winless in conference play after a narrow defeat to Duke last week, 91-87.

While the record may not be what head coach Luke Loucks wants, and he would never outwardly say he believes in moral victory, FSU appears to be turning a corner from its five-game losing streak. Against the Blue Devils, Loucks’ team drained 14 of their 30 three-point attempts, a welcome sight after some shooting struggles early on in the season.

However, today’s game will not be an easy one for the first-year head coach to pick up the first in-conference win of his career as a physical NCSU comes to Tallahassee. Rookie head coach Will Wade and the Wolfpack program invested heavily in its roster, and three of its five losses have come against ranked opponents.

How to watch:

Tip off is set for 12 PM on the ACC Network in Tallahassee.

Notes to know:

• As mentioned in the open, Loucks and Wade are both in their first year with their respective ACC program as the conference tries to regain its footing on the hardwood. So far, after a down year in 2025, the ACC appears to be much stronger this season, with four teams currently ranked within the top 25 and eight teams projected in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket. The Wolfpack is listed as a #10 seed.
• Even though NC State has found better postseason success over the last few years, Florida State owns the Wolfpack at home. The Seminoles have won the last six matchups between the two sides in Tallahassee. With students back from break, Loucks will hope to push the home winning streak to seven.

Players to know:

• F Darrion Williams: Williams was the top name brought into Raleigh during Wade’s first offseason after two outstanding seasons at Texas Tech. While his season averages look like an elite player, averaging 14.5 points with 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, there has been a vocal group of the fan base that wants more from the senior. At one point in the season, Wade lost his cool on a reporter who asked about Williams’ play. Which version of Williams comes out in Tallahassee will most likely determine who wins.
• F Ven-Allen Lubin: Lubin made the bold decision last offseason to leave Chapel Hill and commit to rival NC State out of the transfer portal for his senior year. So far, the relationship has been beneficial for both sides, with Lubin anchoring the interior for NCSU. The big man is averaging double-digit points and 6.8 rebounds per game while starting every contest so far this season.