NC State Wolfpack vs Auburn Tigers Prediction and Picks - December 3, 2025
It's the ACC vs the SEC Challenge on the college hardwood for Wednesday evening, and we have an NC State vs Auburn prediction ready to rock and roll. The Wolfpack enter this game off a 102-97 loss at Texas to fall to 5-2 on the year. The Tigers check in off an 85-74 home win over St John's to move to 6-2 on the year. These teams last met back in 2019 and the Tigers won that game at home by a score of 79-73. Continue reading to see our NC State vs Auburn prediction.
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The Defense Let The Wolfpack Down Against Texas
NC State’s last game came in the Maui Invitational on November 26, where they dropped a 102–97 shootout to Texas. Quadir Copeland exploded for 28 points and 6 assists, while Ven‑Allen Lubin added 23 points and 9 rebounds, but the Wolfpack couldn’t overcome Texas’ blistering three‑point shooting (16‑for‑32). The loss capped a 1–2 trip in Maui, leaving NC State at 5–2 heading into the ACC/SEC Challenge.
The Wolfpack have been one of the most potent offenses in the country, averaging 93.6 points per game and shooting 51.7% from the field. Darrion Williams has been the steady leader, putting up 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while Copeland’s playmaking (4.7 assists per game) gives them balance in the backcourt. Paul McNeil Jr. and Tre Holloman round out a starting five where all average double figures, and freshman Matt Able has been a pleasant surprise with nearly 10 points per game. NC State’s perimeter shooting has been elite, hitting 42.2% from three (8th nationally), which makes them dangerous against any defense.
Defensively, though, the Wolfpack have shown cracks. They allow 76.6 points per game, and opponents have hit 42.7% from the field and 32.3% from three. The Texas loss highlighted their biggest issue: fouling. NC State gave up 33 free‑throw attempts in that game, and on the season they’re surrendering nearly 19 points per game at the line. Lubin has been their best rebounder at 7.4 boards per game, but the team’s overall defensive discipline has lagged behind its offensive firepower. Against Auburn, the Wolfpack will need to tighten rotations and avoid foul trouble if they want their high‑octane offense to carry them to a road upset.
Auburn Grabs Big Home Win Against St John's
Auburn’s most recent game was on November 26, when they knocked off No. 14 St. John’s 85–74 in Las Vegas. Tahaad Pettiford had a career night with 27 points, while Keyshawn Hall added 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Kevin Overton chipped in 5 assists. Auburn trailed 39-30 at the half, but outscored the Red Storm 55-35 in the 2nd half to win going away. The Tigers bounced back from a lopsided loss to Michigan the day before, improving to 6–2 on the season.
Offensively, Auburn has been balanced and efficient, averaging 88.5 points per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Hall has been the centerpiece, putting up 20.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while Pettiford has emerged as a dynamic scorer at 15.1 points per game. KeShawn Murphy adds size and scoring inside with nearly 12 points per game, and Elyjah Freeman contributes across the board with 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. The Tigers also get to the line consistently, averaging 20 made free throws per game, which helps them control tempo and punish opponents inside.
Defensively, Auburn allows 74.6 points per game, but they’ve been strong at forcing turnovers, averaging 9.3 steals per game. Their length across the frontcourt, with Murphy and freshman Sebastian Williams‑Adams, gives them rim protection, and they rebound well at 39.8 boards per game. The concern has been perimeter defense, as opponents have hit 32.1% from three, and NC State’s shooters will test that. Still, Auburn’s home‑court advantage at Neville Arena, combined with Hall’s consistency and Pettiford’s scoring punch, makes them a tough matchup. The Tigers will look to dictate pace and use their physicality to wear down NC State in what should be one of the marquee games of the ACC/SEC Challenge.
NC State vs Auburn Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Earle Sports Bets | +2,298.00 |
| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
| 4 |  David Hess | +1,745.00 |
| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
NC State vs Auburn Spread Pick
- Auburn -6.5 (4 Units)
Auburn -6.5 feels like the right side given how well the Tigers have been playing. In their last outing, they handled St. John’s 85–74 behind Tahaad Pettiford’s 27 points and Keyshawn Hall’s steady presence on the glass. Auburn’s offense has been humming at nearly 89 points per game, shooting close to 48% from the field, and they’ve got multiple scoring options who can hurt defenses inside and out. Hall has been a force with 20.9 points and 9 rebounds per game, and Pettiford’s ability to create off the dribble gives them a dynamic backcourt threat. At home, Auburn’s pace and balance should put pressure on NC State’s defense, which has already shown cracks against high‑level opponents.
NC State can score, but their defensive issues make covering this spread tough. They’re giving up 76.6 points per game, and opponents have consistently found ways to get to the free‑throw line against them. Auburn thrives in that area, averaging 20 made free throws per game, which could tilt the game in their favor. The Wolfpack rely heavily on Darrion Williams and Quadir Copeland to carry the offense, but Auburn’s depth and physicality should wear them down over 40 minutes. With Hall anchoring the frontcourt and Auburn’s ability to force turnovers, the Tigers have the tools to control tempo and pull away late, making the -6.5 a strong play.
NC State vs Auburn Over/Under Pick
- Over 165.5 (5 Units)
The Over 165.5 makes sense here because both Auburn and NC State thrive in high‑tempo, high‑scoring environments. Auburn is putting up 88.5 points per game with multiple double‑digit scorers, while NC State averages an even more explosive 93.6 points per game and shoots over 42% from three. In their most recent outings, both teams showed they’re comfortable in shootouts — Auburn dropped 85 on St. John’s, and NC State put up 97 in a loss to Texas. Neither defense has been airtight, with Auburn allowing 74.6 points per game and NC State giving up 76.6, which sets the stage for a track meet. With two offenses that push pace, get to the line often, and have multiple perimeter threats, this matchup has all the ingredients to clear the 165.5 total.
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