By Jerry Ratcliffe

Photo: Jamie Holt | UVA Athletics

Second-seeded Virginia (27-4) will attempt to beat No. 7 seed NC State for a third time this season in Thursday’s ACC Tournament quarterfinals in Charlotte (noon, ESPN2).

The Wolfpack (20-12) advanced to the quarters with a 98-88 win over Pitt in the second round on Wednesday afternoon. Quadir Copeland led State with 24 points, while Ven-Allen Lubin added 18.

Tenth-ranked Virginia blew out the ‘Pack in two regular season meetings and is favored to win the third, but it isn’t easy to beat a team three times in a row.

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