GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by clutch plays and critical stops, the North Carolina State Wolfpack weathered a late Clemson rally and dominated the extra period to secure an 80-76 overtime victory over the Tigers in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball thriller Tuesday night at a raucous Bi-Lo Center.

The Wolfpack, who led for much of the contest, squandered a late advantage in regulation but outscored Clemson 11-7 in overtime to snap a two-game skid and improve to 13-6 overall. The Tigers, who entered as heavy favorites according to national metrics, fell to 16-4 despite a spirited comeback that forced the extra session.

The most pivotal sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of regulation and carried into overtime. With North Carolina State clinging to a 69-67 lead and under 30 seconds to play in the second half, Clemson’s Dillon Hunter missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer. The Wolfpack’s Darrion Williams secured the defensive rebound, but after a timeout, Williams missed a jumper. Matt Able grabbed the offensive board for the Wolfpack but immediately turned the ball over out of bounds, giving Clemson one final chance with 2.1 seconds left.

Clemson inbounded to Carter Welling, whose contested jump shot from the left baseline rattled home as the horn sounded, sending the game to overtime tied at 69 and sending the home crowd of 9,000 into a frenzy.

The emotional pendulum swung decisively back to the visitors in overtime. North Carolina State, showing resilience after the crushing end to regulation, scored the first five points of the extra period. Quadir Copeland drove for a layup and, after a defensive stop, Darrion Williams sank a crucial 3-pointer from the wing to put the Wolfpack up 74-69.

Clemson never recovered. The Tigers managed just one field goal in the overtime—a layup by RJ Godfrey—and went scoreless over the final 2:40. Ven-Allen Lubin and Matt Able combined to make three of four free throws in the final 18 seconds to seal the road victory for the Wolfpack.

Lubin was the offensive engine for North Carolina State, finishing with a game-high 22 points on efficient interior scoring, adding several key rebounds. Copeland provided a vital all-around performance with 16 points and six assists, often serving as the primary ball-handler against Clemson’s pressure. Williams added 17 points, including two critical 3-pointers, and played 38 minutes.

Clemson was led by Godfrey’s 16 points and Welling’s 14. The Tigers struggled from the perimeter for long stretches and were hampered by 15 turnovers, which the Wolfpack converted into 19 points.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start. North Carolina State established an early edge, leading 38-33 at halftime behind Lubin’s interior work and timely outside shooting. The Wolfpack maintained a slim margin for most of the second half, leading by as many as seven points, but Clemson’s defense tightened and the Tigers chipped away, setting the stage for Welling’s dramatic tying basket.

The victory represents a significant resume boost for North Carolina State, which had lost close games to Georgia Tech and Kansas earlier in the season. For Clemson, it was a missed opportunity to solidify its standing near the top of the ACC and a second home loss in conference play.

According to the pregame betting line, Clemson was a 3.5-point favorite. The combined score of 156 points went over the posted total of 144.5.

North Carolina State travels to face Pittsburgh on Saturday. Clemson will look to rebound at Georgia Tech, also on Saturday.