#2 NC State Wolfpack @ Syracuse Orange
Time: Noon
Location: Carrier Dome
Coverage: ACCN
This is weird to write for a team that is #2 in the nation and only has two losses on the season, but there are two State teams this year.
The home version and the road version.
At Reynolds, State is unstoppable at a perfect 11-0. In those games, they’re averaging over 86 points and winning, more often than not, well into double digits. On the road? They’ve dropped two of seven and their points per game average gets cut by 16 to a 70 point average. A trip to the Dome doesn’t help those odds, where the Orange are a perfect 8-0.
Preview of the Syracuse Orange
Syracuse has been less than consistent this season. In their last ten games they are 5-5, with the most recent game being a 92-75 win against BC. Furthering the weird statistical overview, during that span they had six different leading scorers. What we like to call, a mixed bag team.
Their best player is freshman Center Kamilla Cardoso, averaging 15 points and 8 boards on the season. Last game broke her six game streak of at least 14 points. Another big piece for the Orange is their distributor Tiana Manhakahia. The fifth year senior, who sat out last year due to breast cancer, has stormed back leading the team in assists, while posting a near 12 points per game.
The biggest part of their offense is three-point shooting. When the hit at least eight from downtown, they are 7-2. With that ability to spread the floor, it allows dishes down to Cardoso to work inside. Cunane will have her hands full.
Keys for NC State
Another week, another honor for the Pack. Sophomore Forward, Jada Boyd picked up ACC 6th Player of the Year Award. Last year’s All-ACC Freshman Team honoree is averaging over 10 points and five boards off the bench this year. Will need every one of her points today.
State needs to control the defensive side of the floor and then use their athleticism to push it back to offense. In 13 of their 18 games this year, State has held opponents to under 40% shooting. With an Orange offense lead by a pretty good backcourt, they’ll need to cause turnovers and disrupt plays inside to Cardoso.
Look for Perez to have a big game from three to keep pace with Syracuse. A broken record, but Cunane needs a game and then get help from Hobby in relief. Finally, Crutchfield, and her stealing ability, will be put to the test. Will say she nabs three.
PI Prediction: State wins their fourth straight against the Orange, but like normal, it’s a CLOSE one…76-72