Paul McNeil announced his arrival as a rising ACC basketball star Saturday, scoring 24 points in his first collegiate start to propel N.C. State to an 85-73 victory over Wake Forest. The Rockingham native electrified fans with 17 second-half points, including a momentum-sealing 3-pointer and crowd-rousing dunk in the final minute.
McNeil's breakout performance came alongside Dontrez Styles' 22-point, 10-rebound double-double - his second of the season. The Wolfpack (11-16, 4-12 ACC) snapped a 10-game conference skid behind:
- 48% 3-point shooting (13/32)
- 20 bench points from Ben Middlebrooks and reserves
- Complete defensive lockdown during an 18-2 second-half run
'This win changes our season's trajectory,' head coach Kevin Keatts told reporters postgame. N.C. State basketball fans roared approval as McNeil iced the game with a transition dunk, sparking a courtside celebration.
Wake Forest (19-8, 11-5) saw four players score double-digits but faltered critically:
- 8:04 field goal drought during State's decisive run
- 36% second-half shooting
- Outrebounded 38-31 despite Spillers' 15-point effort
The victory avenges N.C. State's 77-59 January loss to Wake Forest. Both teams face pivotal ACC matchups Wednesday - the Demon Deacons host Virginia while State travels to Syracuse.