Preview: NC State vs UVA

NC State will look to gain a quality win against Virginia tonight at 7 o’clock on Big Monday presented by ESPN. Tony Bennett will have his group ready to play tonight, especially coming home after a close loss in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

It will be a great game within the game as I am sure Bennett will throw his do it all redshirt senior Malcom Brogdon on Cat Barber. Brogdon was excellent at taking away Grayaon Allen before having to switch onto Ingram. With his size and strength he creates a lot of problems for guys he is defending. One thing Cat has on his side is quickness and he will have to be as slippery as ever to find daylight. One thing is for sure, even if Cat beats Brogdon he will have a second layer waiting for him. UVA likes to pack it in and protect the paint, this means Caleb and Maverick must loosen the defense up by connecting on some three pointers.

It will be a contrast in styles as UVA favors a half court affair and the Wolfpack thrive on getting up and down. NC State must push the tempo at every chance they get, Virginia is extremely hard to beat when they are allowed to set their back line defense. Cat Barber will have to be the catalyst in creating havoc tonight, and there is no reason to think he will not have success. Barber has performed at an all ACC level all season, it will be critical for others to step up if State will have a chance to steal one in Charlottesville tonight.

Total rebounds will be a key stat as the Pack must gain extra possessions by pulling in some offensive rebounds, and minimizing UVA second chances. There isn’t one player who averages more than 5 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers, which is why everyone must put a body on their man to keep them off the glass.

The Pack have nothing to lose tonight and needs to play with great energy, if the score is close down the stretch who knows maybe UVA will crack. It should be noted that UVA is undefeated at home this season and are 32-1 over the last 4 seasons in home ACC games. NC State will have to play one of their best games of the season to have a chance tonight, but when you have a player like Cat Barber you always have a shot.