NC State 3 Keys to Beating UNCG

Play with the utmost intensity and lots of energy from the start…

UNCG is not good. There isn’t any part of the Spartans that should be able to contend with the Wolfpack, with that being said we have all witnessed NC State lay an egg from time to time against these types of teams. The best way to deal with underdogs is to take away their heart early, DO NOT give them any hope. It’s funny how a lead early can help a team with no chance play like world beaters. If State comes out and plays with intensity and energy there is not reason why this game cannot be firmly in their grasp by the second media timeout.

Run the offense and pass up good shots for better shots…

NC State needs to display poise tonight and run the offense in its’ entirety. One thing that can stop this from happening is NC State going off script to get their own shot simply because they will have a mismatch guarding them. Cat Barber has been great at improvising and knocking down tough shots, but I would like to see him give the offense more of a chance tonight. I think Wolfpack nation would be pleasantly surprised at how effective the offense works if given a chance to work past the first option. NC State should be able to get great looks and lots of layups if they work through the offense and run the floor swiftly.

Get both Caleb and Maverick going early…

It is no secret that both Caleb and Maverick have been a little inconsistent as of late, yes Maverick was improved versus Missouri but Caleb still struggled. NC State needs these two guys to come on strong before ACC play kicks off in January. Tonight could be a great opportunity for Caleb to get back on track. Sometimes all it takes for a shooter to get back on track is to see the ball go through the hoop, hopefully Gottfried can get Caleb something easy going towards the basket tonight. One thing that I don’t want Caleb to do is to typecast himself as just a shooter, he can be so much more given his size!

As for Maverick he is best when he catches the ball and makes quick moves, i.e. one dribble pull ups and sweeping the ball through swiftly to get to the rim. The other area where Rowan has been solid is catch and shoot threes, if he is given a chance to step into his shot from distance he has been pretty accurate. Personally I would like to see both Caleb and Maverick work to get themselves layups or some monster dunks in Caleb’s case.

Summary…

Tonight should be an easy win for the Pack as 4-7 UNCG travels to PNC Arena, but that doesn’t mean State can approach the game with ease and expect to win by 20. If the Wolfpack come out and execute and can take care of the ball as well as play with energy then it should be a stress free affair. Tonight’s game can be seen on ESPN3 at 7PM, and will be NC State’s last game before Christmas break.