PREVIEW: NC State vs. #17 FSU: BY THE NUMBERS

NC State and #17 Florida State will tipoff at Noon today down in Tallahassee, but before they do, here’s a look at the matchup BY THE NUMBERS.

A simplistic breakdown of the numbers below: The Wolfpack are the superior offensive team and the Seminoles are the superior defensive team.

Things to Watch

1. NC State loves to run their opponent to death, and hold the upper hand in the final minutes when it comes to stamina. That will prove to be more challenging against FSU, who runs 10-11 players per game.
2. The Wolfpack’s two big fellas, Wyatt Walker and DJ Funderburk can’t afford to get into foul trouble. The Seminoles are the 13th tallest team in the NCAA. By comparison, the Wolfpack rank 175th. FSU’s players are 2 inches taller on average. Mfiondu Kabengele, Florida State’s leading scorer (13.1…off the bench!) is 6’10”. Starter Christ Koumadje averages 7 points and 6 rebounds, standing 7’4″. Phil Cofer is 6’8″. NC State only has 2 players 6’8″ or taller.
3. NC State needs to do what they have done all year: turn their opponent over. One of the clear advantages the Wolfpack has an advantage is in the turnover category. NC State ranks 24th in Defensive Turnover Percentage, and FSU ranks a dismal 232nd in Offensive Turnover Percentage.
4. The Wolfpack is one of the best in the country at crashing the offensive glass (14th in Offensive Rebounding Percentage), but they struggle on the defensive glass.  The Seminoles aren’t too shabby on the offensive glass, ranking 36th, while the Wolfpack rank 220th in keeping their opponent off the offensive glass. If the Wolfpack fails to box out today, it could be a long day.