NC State Basketball

NC State vs Missouri: 3 Keys

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Attack the rim and make foul shots…

Missouri is among the worst in the NCAA when it comes to fouling, in fact they foul on 31.6 percent of their defensive possessions. Cat Barber needs to be the catalyst for attacking the paint and could be in for another monster day offensively, especially given the Tigers penchant for fouling. Barber is among the leaders in foul shots attempted as he enters Saturday’s contest with 101 attempts. If Barber and company make it a point of emphasis to drive and not settle for contested jumpers, then the Wolfpack should notch another victory. One player to watch is Caleb Martin, he has been struggling of late with his outside shot, I would love to see him drive the basketball. The best thing for a shooter who is struggling is to get some easy baskets in transition, as well as getting to the foul line.

Feed the big men…

NC State may not have the most skilled post players, but they have been working a lot harder to get the ball in the correct spots. I place blame on the perimeter players for some of their struggles as they have failed at giving them well timed entry passes. Too often Cat and company have been too late or hesitant to give the ball up to Anya, and Abu once they have gained optimal positioning. This throws off timing and forces the big men to have to re-gather themselves which makes it more difficult to make their moves.

Another problem for State is that the guards are bringing help side defenders into the big men by dribbling to close to them to throw the entry pass. Last game was a perfect example as High Point sagged off the ball handler as he dribbled towards the baseline to feed Anya, but the Panthers fronted the post which cluttered the short corner, making it almost impossible to get it in. In this situation all the Pack had to do was retreat and allow Anya to walk his man up the post, put his hip on his defender, then throw the ball over the top…

It will need to be a total team effort from all five guys in order to improve NC State’s post attack.

Go to the glass…

Not only are the Tigers among the worst when it comes to fouling, but they struggle on the glass as well. Missouri is sporting a 238 ranking at -2 in extra scoring chancing, which means State should have a perceived advantage in the rebounding department. It will be important for Abu to continue his strong rebounding performances of late, hopefully he can grab some offensive rebounds to prolong possessions, also get some easy baskets for himself. The lack of rebounding on the part of the Tigers should help NC State to ignite the fast-break. Every fast-break starts with a rebound…

Tip-Ins 

  • Missouri is 5-4, undefeated at home but have yet to win on the road.
  • Cat Barber raised his points per game to 21.4 per game, will he raise it again today?
  • Coach Gottfried is seeking his 100th career win at NC State.
  • Gottfried can become the second fastest to 100 wins next to Everett Case, who did it in 120 games.
  • Game time is a 6PM and can be seen on SEC Network, and as always heard on the Wolfpack Sports Network.

 

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Winknudge_x2
Winknudge_x2
13 years ago

“Can this team replicate Sunday’s performance?”
That’s all that matters. For now all we’ve proven is we’re not one of the two worst teams in the ACC (along w/ Wake). Now show us a couple decent wins, especially on the road.

Earl
13 years ago

Good win. However, it’s hard to gauge where a team stands based on an opponent like Wake. I just hope we can get enough wins to make the NIT so that our Seniors can get a few more games wearing the NC State red before it’s all over. I know this is a bit off topic but under the circumstances I appreciate the suspension that Lowe placed on CJL. A lot of coaches may have ignored the whole class skipping. His recent statements about players taking bad shots seemed to be directed at CJL and CJL for at least one… Read more »

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