Gameday: Pack Back In Action vs Detroit

After a week long layoff, NC State is back in action vs. the 5-5 Detroit Titans. Since it’s been a while since State has been in action, let’s look back for a second and talk about what we learned over the past few games.

Cat Barber has seized the starting PG opportunity and has been playing exceptionally well. Jordan Vandenberg has come on as a true force in the middle for NC State, and not far on his heels is young freshman Lennard Freeman who leads the team in rebounds per minute. Dez Lee and Ralston Turner have both settled in nicely to their roles and will be keys for the Pack going forward. TJ Warren continues to kill anyone in his path….Ok you’re caught up, now lets look at tonight game.

NC State Wolfpack vs. The Detroit Titans
Tonight | 6pm | ESPN3 | Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh

Ok, so here is a quick rundown on the Titans. They are 5-5. Their first loss was to Southern Alabama. They were blown out 74-58. USA isn’t great, but they don’t have a truly terrible loss yet this season. Next, Detroit fell to #19 UCONN by almost 50. Ok that’s pretty bad. Then it was losses to Toledo (twice) and a triple overtime thriller that ended in a loss to Stoney Brook. So there are your losses. Their wins aren’t much to write home about, as they’ve beaten the likes of USF and Rhode Island.

Players to watch for (Detroit):  Juwan Howard Jr. Yep, I know what you’re thinking and you’re correct. This is the son of former Michigan Fab Five member and long time NBA star Juwan Howard. His son is a transfer from Western Michigan who is playing his first year at Detroit. He’s averaging 17 points and 6 boards for the Titans and is really their go to guy. He’s a bit of a tweener at 6’6 but he’s talented.

What to watch out for vs. Detroit: State will need to box out. This is a physical team who likes to rebound. They’re 43rd in the nation on the boards, which doesn’t seem all that intimidating until you realize State is only 142nd in rebounding. They’re going to crash the glass so State needs to be ready to throw their weight around.

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Remember folks, game tonight is at Reynolds at 6pm. We’ll be there covering it for you if you can’t make it.