Key Highlights
- The Wolfpack heads to Winston-Salem for a crucial game against Wake Forest.
- NC State’s record is 15-6, with a 6-2 ACC start.
- Nate Calmese sprained his ankle and will be out indefinitely.
- Coach Wade expresses dissatisfaction with the team’s performance so far.
The Battle for Control in Winston-Salem
The Wolfpack, currently ranked #24 in KenPom and #27 in Bart Torvik, face a pivotal game against Wake Forest on Saturday. The Demon Deacons are the better team according to these rankings but have struggled in ACC play, losing six of their last eight games.
NC State’s Struggles
Coach Mark Gottfried, after defeating Syracuse, addressed the uniform issue with a lighthearted jab: “Oops, my bad. Stop harassing the staff, you loonies! (did I mention I make a lot of money?)” He admitted his team is not where it should be and is upset about the Georgia Tech game where they lost despite having an 11-point lead in the second half.
Wake Forest’s Challenges
The Deacons, ranked #74 in KenPom and #68 in Bart Torvik, are reeling from a tough schedule. They have faced quality opponents like Memphis, Michigan, and Virginia Tech but struggled to convert their good wins into ACC victories.
What’s on the Line?
This game is critical for both teams: NC State needs to solidify its position in the ACC race while Wake Forest hopes to turn things around. Coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, a traditional powerhouse, has warned against complacency, stating that even a strong start can be overshadowed by poor performances later.
Key Player Notes
NC State’s Juke Harris is second in the ACC in scoring and 3-point shooting. Myles Colvin leads in steals per game. Nate Calmese, who sprained his ankle, will miss the game indefinitely, leaving a significant gap in their backcourt.
Prediction: NC State’s Triumph?
KenPom predicts an NC State victory but acknowledges the challenge Wake Forest presents. The Demon Deacons might come out strong with 3-point attempts but could be cooled off by deep defensive counseling from Coach Wade and his experienced team.
The Wolfpack, despite their recent struggles, have shown flashes of brilliance and are keen to demonstrate that they can compete at a high level against top ACC opponents. The game in Winston-Salem will be a litmus test for both teams as they navigate the remainder of their schedules.
