NC State Wolfpack forward Ven-Allen Lubin. Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State upsets No. 18 Clemson in OT to end Tigers' winning streak

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 1:52 AM ET

The 16th-ranked Clemson Tigers entered Tuesday night on a nine-game winning streak and had a chance to match the program's best start to conference play (7-0) with a win.

Instead, the NC State Wolfpack (13-6, 4-2 ACC) picked up an 80-76 upset win in overtime to halt the Tigers' momentum. NC State led by as many as 11 before Clemson (16-4, 6-1 ACC) rallied back to send the game to the extra period tied at 69.

Although the Wolfpack were outrebounded 38-30, they scored 19 points off 13 Clemson turnovers and made 22 of their 25 free-throw attempts, which came in clutch in a tightly contested game when every point mattered.

NC State finally gets signature win

The Wolfpack had faced three other ranked teams prior to Tuesday night and lost each of them. That did not happen this time, largely due to senior forwards Ven-Allen Lubin (22 points, 9-of-12 FG) and Darrion Williams (17 points, 5-of-17 FG).

The two of them combined for seven of NC State's 11 OT points, but Williams hit the biggest shot with this corner three to give the Wolfpack the 74-72 lead.

D-WILL pic.twitter.com/bQT0VfYCam
— NC State Men's Basketball (@PackMensBball) January 21, 2026

This was a big win to help NC State get back on track after falling 78-74 to Georgia Tech (11-8) on Saturday. It is in the middle of the ACC standings, but still has a rematch with No. 14 Virginia and has yet to face any of the other ranked teams in the conference.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi had NC State as a 10-seed in his latest update on Tuesday. That was prior to the win over Clemson, so the Wolfpack will likely have some more breathing room above the bubble for now as long as they do not add another bad loss.

A win over a Tigers team that had not lost since Dec. 9 is definitely a huge confidence builder as the ACC slate only gets more difficult. With three of NC State's six losses coming by five points or fewer, this could be the type of performance it needs to establish some momentum.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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