Wake Forest and N.C. State passed each other on the ACC road Saturday, like two cars headed in opposite directions.
The Demon Deacons, behind star forward John Collins, are making a push for their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2010.
The Deacs (15-10, 6-7 ACC) looked the part of contender on Saturday afternoon with a 88-58 never-in-doubt win over the Wolfpack at Joel Coliseum.
Then there was N.C. State (14-12, 3-10 ACC). The Wolfpack is in a freefall with five straight ACC losses.
Collins (23 points) scored on three uncontested baskets to open the game as Wake jumped out to a 21-10 lead in the first nine minutes and never looked back.