NC State Wolfpack vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Gametime: 12:00 pm
Streaming: ESPN
Location: Raleigh, NC

Getting to know the Irish…

NC State takes on Notre Dame today at 12 noon (on the ESPN ). The Irish come into this game at 13- 9 on the season and 3-6 in the ACC. They have lost their last 6 games, mostly because they have been without three of their top players (Bonzi Colson, Matt Farrell and DJ Harvey.) Colson and Harvey will remain out vs NC State and Matt Farrell will be a game-time decision (and will likely play a bit.)

The Irish need  Farrell who, if he plays, would be their leading scorer at 15ppg. He absolutely dominated NC State last time around before leaving with an ankle injury. Farrell scored 9 points, dished out 4 assists and controlled tempo and flow in 15 minutes of play.

It’s likely that even if Farrell does play, that he won’t be 100%. He’ll be guarded by Markell Johnson (who was on suspension last time these teams met) this time around. Those factors need to be considered when you look at this matchup.

Aside from Farrell, the Irish will need big games from TJ Gibbs (6’3, soph) and Martinas Geben (6’10, senior). These two combined for 32 points and 20 boards in the last meeting. Gibbs has emerged as Notre Dame’s new go-to scorer. He dropped 18 vs. Clemson, 27 vs Virginia Tech and 22 vs Duke. He’s been a bit inconsistent from 3pt range (which is what he came into the season known for) but has been in attack mode of late.

Geben is important, mainly because of his size and strength. He was the one matchup that really dominated Omer Yurtseven this season. His physicality forced the Wolfpack big man into a 2-8 shooting night, finishing with 4 points and only 4 boards in 24 minutes.

Notre Dame hasn’t won in almost a month. How will they respond? I’m guessing if they get Farrell back they will come out hungry and look to really right the ship. This is a scrappy group who won’t lay down against the Wolfpack, no matter how bruised or battered they seem.

Keys to the game for NC State…

• Keep up focus and intensity– There are a lot of plusses coming into this game. For one, it’ss a home game. Two, it will be a full house at the PNC (it’s sold out). This is important as the Pack get back in action for the first time in a week after an emotional win at UNC. They need to refocus and reset and come out ready to kill vs. a Notre Dame team who surely will not back down. The other piece of good news is that NC State is well rested and has. had a week to prepare for this game. You’d think that those two factors would have them chomping at the bit to get back out there and prove wrong those that think that this is the old NC State who will come out flat after a big-time win.
• Markell Johnson is the key. Johnson has been a huge reason this team has found success, but at UNC he took it to a new level. The sophomore PG took control of the game and became a true scoring threat. If he continues that type of play today, while still being a major distributor for this team, then the Pack becomes very dangerous. Last time these teams met, State didn’ have Johnson and with Matt Farrell likely to be less than 100% with an ankle injury, Johnson could really take advantage.
• Yurtseven’s revenge- As we pointed out, Yurt had an awful game last time out vs. Notre Dame. He’s definitely improved since that game, but it has to be in the back of his mind. Geben is physical and huge, but this is the type of guy that Yurtseven should ruin by making him step out and guard the 15 footer. If Omer can knock a few down early, it could cause major problems for the Irish.
• Big game for Dorn? Last time out, DJ Harvey had the game of his life against Dorn. The 6’6 freshman scored 17 points and used his size and versatility to render Torin Dorn useless. Harvey won’t be out there this time, so it will be Dorn vs. Rex Pflueger, who doesn’t have the strength or quickness to really slow down a guy like Dorn. He’s been one of State’s best players during the ACC season and should see plenty of opportunities today.
• Is Al Freeman back? Over the past 3 games, Al Freeman has been outstanding. He’s shot 44% from the field, 63% from 3pt range and scored 55 points. This coincides with Keatts taking him out of the starting lineup. So will he keep with what’s working and bring him off the bench, or will he slot Al back in the starting lineup? We will have to see, but whatever the case, NC State is very good when Al Freeman is playing well and when he’s playing team ball. Over the past 3 games we’ve seen a different guy and if we see him for a 4th game, NC State should have an offensive advantage.
• The win that would convince- NC State is on the cusp of being a true contender, but this is a program who has made a living off of high highs and low lows. They haven’t found consistency in years, but with Keatts, that could change. Everyone knows they can win the big one, but can they win the game they are supposed to win? We find that out today. If this team walks away with a convincing win against the Irish, it will be all systems go for the media to start pushing the Pack as a true tournament team.