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NC State returns to action tomorrow at 4 o’clock in renovated Reynolds Coliseum (TV: RSN), as they face the Tigers of Tennessee State.

Here are our 5 keys to the game:

1. Finding the right combination…

Gottfried needs to lock in his lineup and decipher which combination of players gives the Pack the best chance to win. Maverick Rowan returns after his 7 game absence, it will be critical to reinsert him back into the rotation. One player who has benefited from Rowan’s absence is Markell Johnson, who has played over 20 minutes in each game since. After tomorrow’s game, Gottfried will have to learn how to integrate Omer Yurtseven into the lineup, as he will be eligible following tomorrow’s contest.

2. Maverick Rowan is back…

Gottfried spoke about the benefits of having another player who can come up with a basket when needed. Rowan should help NC State in this arena, even thought the team has not had too much of an issue on offense, as he can help space the floor from beyond the arc. The added space should help Smith and company get into the lane. NC State should have more options to play small with Rowan’s size, as he showed more willingness to attack the glass in the first game of the season. Don’t expect too much from Mav too soon though, as it will take some time to get his legs back.

3. Use the energy of Reynolds to jump on Tigers early…

Playing in Reynolds should give the Pack a little boost, the smaller confines should help the crowd to have more of an impact. State must stop allowing lesser quality team to hang around all game. The Pack’s goal for these games should be to have a big lead at half, and increase that lead each media time out. The lack of energy and effort is holding this group back. If they can expend the same amount of energy as they would if they were playing Duke or UNC, it would go a long way.

4. Rebound the basketball…

Tennessee State attacks the glass and secures defensive rebounds, this allows them to get extra chances and prevents teams from having extra chances. Personally, I want to see everyone find a man and box them out; just because we play small doesn’t give us an excuse to not rebound. Our leaders must speak up and demand everyone do their part. Wayne Martin and the Tigers take pride and gain momentum from stealing offensive rebounds, State must neutralize this.

5. Defense…

It takes time to develop the communication and experience of a sound defensive team. I realize this, however, the team needs to put forth a true concerted effort. Thus far on the season, NC State is allowing 78.1 points per game. The good news is, the team has no where to go but up. It has got to start with the heart. Defense is about scheme and technique, but it usually boils down to competitive desire to stop one’s opponent. It is great to score a lot points, and we have, however, think how much more efficient this group could become if they were forcing some easy turnovers to get into the open court? Tomorrow, State will find itself almost at full strength, and we must start gaining momentum before conference play.

Be sure to make it out to see the Pack play in historic Reynolds, tip off is slated for 4PM.

 

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Ballerman4452
Ballerman4452
7 years ago

This was a rough game to watch, and the first half statistics showed. But the positive I can point to is that this team actually showed some fire and passion in the 2nd half. This Tennesee State team was actually pretty good but make no mistake this was a team State had to beat. But with the youth, the injuries, Yurtseven being out and a variety of issues. This team is still a big question mark.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago
Reply to  Ballerman4452

I believe the talent is there. But I don’t believe we have the coaching to put it all together. Time will tell.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

At this rate, Dennis Smith will not be in the NBA next year. No shot only drive.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
7 years ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

His shot selection and decision making are not what I expected. He’s still trying to out-athlete everyone on the floor and he needs to learn that this is not H.S.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

This game has not changed my mind about this team. No offense other than one on one. Mav needs to get back shape. Hopefully the Big guy can help with the offense.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
7 years ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

Hopefully Anya can use this game to be a bigger part of the offense/defense. Up to this point the offense has been too guard dominated.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
7 years ago

Just don’t mess with Markell’s minutes. He’s the only one on the perimeter playing defense at a high level. Need to bring Kapita off the bench until he can learn to play D without picking up 3 fouls in 3 minutes. Mav needs to be brought on slowly. Don’t want him shooting more than 5-6 shots this game. He needs to prove that he is not a streaky shooter before letting him take too many shots.

NC State Basketball

An NC State Win Over Marquette in the Sweet 16 Would Be…

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Awesome. Obviously.

#11 seed NC State will play #2 seed Marquette tomorrow night in the Sweet 16. What would a win mean for the Wolfpack? Many things, but here’s just a few:

It would give NC State 25 wins on the year (25-14), which would be the most wins since 1982-83, when the Wolfpack went 26-10, winning the National Championship.

It would mark the 12th time in school history that NC State has won 25+ games in a single season.

1982-83 – 26-10 

1973-74 – 30-1 

1972-73 – 27-0 

1954-55 – 28-4 

1953-54 – 26-7

1952-53 – 26-6 

1950-51 – 30-7 

1949-50 – 27-6 

1948-49 – 25-8 

1947-48 – 29-3

1946-47- 26-5

It would be the 7th time NC State has advanced to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

1950

1951

1974

1983

1985

1986

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NC State Basketball

NC State has Won 5 ACC Championships this Year

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NC State has won 5 ACC Championships this year, which is the most of any athletic program in the conference this year.

The Wolfpack has won ACC Titles in Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Swimming & Diving, Wrestling, Men’s Basketball and Gymnastics.

The last time NC State won 5 ACC Championships in one year was 1979-80.

As far as I can tell, here’s a look at the Wolfpack Conference Titles from 1979-80:

Football
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Cross Country
Men’s Swimming & Diving
Men’s Tennis

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NC State Basketball

NC State is 1 of 4 Schools to Have Both Men & Women’s Basketball Teams in Sweet 16

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NC State is 1 of 4 schools to have their Men and Women’s Basketball teams BOTH advance to the Sweet 16, along with Duke, Gonzaga and UCONN.

NC State and Duke are the only two schools in the country to send both Basketball teams to the Sweet 16, and also send the Football team to a bowl game.

This marks only the third time in school history that BOTH teams made the Sweet 16.

Years NC State’s Men & Women’s Teams Made the Sweet 16

1985
1989
2024

Despite the fact that the Men’s team has made the Elite 8 six times (1950, 1951, 1974, 1983, 1985, 1986), and the Women have made it 2 times (1998 & 2022), in the three occasions they both went to the Sweet 16 in the same year, neither team advanced to the Elite 8.

In 2024, Why Not Us?

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NC State Basketball

#3 seed NC State Holds on Against #6 Seed Tennessee, Defeating the Vols 79-72 to Advance to the Sweet 16

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#3 seed NC State held on last night, defeating #6 seed Tennessee 79-72 in Reynolds Coliseum to advance to the Sweet 16 for the 5th time in the last 6 tournaments.

The Wolfpack led by only 1 after the 1st Quarter, but they looked like they had things under control at halftime, leading by 18 points.

At one point, NC State led by as much as 20 points in the 3rd Quarter, but the Lady Volunteers weren’t about to give up.

With 4:19 left in the 4th, Tennessee cut the lead to 2 points, but NC State might have bent, but they wouldn’t break.

Junior Guard Aziaha James led the way with 22 points and 7 assists, which were both team highs. She scored 7 points in the final 3.5 minutes, helping to squash tue Last Vols’ comeback attempt.

Junior Guard Saniya Rivers had 20 points (6-14 FG) and 6 boards.

Freshman Zoe Brooks was clutch off the bench, chipping in 16 points and 6 boards.

This marks the 16th time the NC State Women’s Basketball team has advanced to the Sweet 16.

The Wolfpack will play #2 seed Stanford on Friday night at 7:30pm on ESPN in Portland.

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