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Sweet 16 Preview: #1 NC State Versus #4 Indiana

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NC State Wolfpack (#1) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (#4)
Time: 6:00 PM
TV: ESPN2
Line: Indiana -2

 

Did you guys catch the little nugget above? About what the folks out in the desert think about tonight?

Vegas has NC State as the underdog.

Without a doubt, today’s game is both interesting and a near toss-up. State opened the NCAAT with wins over #16 NC A&T (79-58) and #8 South Florida (79-67). Indiana had wins against #12 VCU (63-32) and #13 Belmont (70-48). So let’s look at the three aspects of the game and pick a winner.

 

Offense

Both squads can put up points. In their last five games, State has scored an average of 70, Indiana 71. On the season, State’s scoring offense ranks 19th in the country, Indiana #28. State shoots 47% from the field, Indiana 46%. State’s top scorer is 6′ 5″ Center Elissa Cunane (16.3 ppg/ 8 rpg), that also happens to be their leading rebounder. Indiana’s top scorer is 6′ 3″ Forward Mackenzie Holmes (17.8 ppg / 8 rpg), that also happens to be their leading rebounder.

LOTS of reasons why these two are close.

The difference could be the fact State’s trio of Cunane, Boyd and Brown-Turner have been awesome this tournament. All three have gone for double-digit points in each of the first two games, with a combined three double-doubles. The key is, can the offense spread the floor enough to ease pressure on Cunane. State struggles offensively when they start forcing the ball inside and trying to play a grinding style of offense.

While Indiana’s Holmes could have her normal big game, we are actually focused on their Guard, Grace Berger. State has struggled with guard play through the first two rounds, while Berger has been excellent. 37 points over two games with good pace. Crutchfield and crew have to be ready. Luckily, IU isn’t known for three-point shooting, averaging 4 per game. That said, South Florida wasn’t great in that department either and then went off, so *shrug*.

Advantage: Narrowly NC State

 

Defense

Here is our worry. Through the first two games, State has struggled to find their rhythm early. That can’t happen again, because if Indiana takes over defensively, it’s going to be a long day for the Pack. On the season Indiana’s opponents average sub-60 points, with 11 games holding opponents under the 56-point mark.

Indiana rebounds well, but is even more impressive with their turnover ratio. While State is nearly equal on turnover margin versus opponents, Indiana is pushing over 4 more per. Look for lots of movement and State to look out of sync at times, before adjusting.

This game will be about containing runs. If you look at only State’s third quarter play, you see what they’re capable of. Unfortunately, far too many times both the Aggies and Bulls went on 7 to 9 point runs.

Advantage: Indiana

 

Coaching

Tonight’s matchup will be a pair of schools with rich men’s basketball history, but have completely flipped the script.

Indiana’s Teri Moren, outside her first season, has lead the Hoosiers to 5-straight seasons of 21+ wins. This year, they’ve been ranked in the Top-25 for the entire season, while topping out at their program best #12 ranking.

Wes Moore had himself a week. Not only did he have perfect halftime adjustments in both opening rounds, but he took home National Coach of the Year honors. Each and every season, State has improved their record, now they go for glory. With a win today, a State basketball program will get into the Elite Eight, since 1998 Women’s Final Four squad.

Tournaments and one-and-done games rely so much more on coaching. Adjustments are everything and putting players in the position to succeed, is beyond crucial.

Advantage: NC State

 

This will be a close one. Expect each team to battle on both sides of the floor, while taking turns leading. State Twitter is going to be a mess, but hopefully all will be happy in the end.

The game could feel very similar to the ACC Championship, as State prevails in a last possession defensive stand to head to the Elite Eight.

PI Prediction: State wins 68-66

 

 

Passionate State fan that just wants to win...something...like anything...

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Women's Basketball

VIDEO: NC State women fall 64-63 to Princeton on late three in NCAA 1st Round

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The NC State women were a 7 seed, picked to move on over 10-seeded Princeton, but that’s not how it worked out.

The Pack women were plagued by turnovers (20) and Princeton capitalized with a late 3 to clinch the win. Highlight above.

Sad day for NC State all around.

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Women's Basketball

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: NC State Moves Up to #15 After Win Over Notre Dame

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The NC State Women’s Basketball (16-5) team moved up 5 spots in the Week 13 AP Poll, after defeating Notre Dame 69-65 yesterday, who was ranked 7th then, and ranked 9th now.

(ESPN)

ACC Teams in the Week 13 AP Poll

9. Notre Dame

11. UNC

13. Virginia Tech

15. NC State

16. Duke

23. FSU

The Wolfpack’s next game will be on Thursday night on the road at Georgia Tech at 8pm on ACC Network.

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NC State Signee Zoe Brooks is a McDonald’s All-American

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NC State Women’s Basketball 2023 signee Zoe Brooks was named a McDonald’s All-American yesterday.

McDonald’s All American Game East Roster
Player High School Position Height Committed to
Zoe Brooks Saint John Vianney (NJ) G 5-10 NC State
Essence Cody Valdosta (GA) F 6-3 Alabama
Aalyah Del Rosario The Webb School (CA) F 6-5 LSU
Jadyn Donovan Sidwell Friends School (DC) G 6-0 Duke
Milaysia Fulwiley W.J. Keenan (SC) G 5-6 South Carolina
Hannah Hildalgo Paul VI (NJ) G 5-6 Notre Dame
Riley Nelson Bullis School (MD) W 6-0 Maryland
Courtney Ogden Westminster School (GA) W 5-11 Stanford
Laila Reynolds Shabach Christian (FL) F 6-2 Florida
Emma Risch Palm Bay Magnet (FL) G 6-1 Notre Dame
Taliah Scott Saint John’s Country Day (FL) G 5-9 Arkansas
Ashlynn Shade La Lumiere (IN) G 5-9 UConn
McDonald’s All American Game West Roster
Player High School Position Height Committed to
Kamorea Arnold Germantown (WI) G 5-9 UConn
Sofia Bell Jesuit (OR) W 6-1 Oregon
Madison Booker Germantown (MS) W 6-1 Texas
Addyson Brown Derby Senior (KS) W 6-2 Iowa State
Breya Cunningham La Jolla Country Day (CA) F 6-4 Arizona
Kymora Johnson Saint Annes-Belfield (VA) G 5-7 Virginia
Tessa Johnson Saint Michael Albertville (MN) G 5-10 South Carolina
Amanda Muse Heritage (CA) F 6-4 UCLA
Judea Watkins Sierra Canyon (CA) G 6-0 USC
Mikaylah Williams Parkway (LA) G 6-0 LSU
Jada Williams La Jolla Country Day G 5-6 Arizona
Sahara Williams West (IA) W 5-10 Oklahoma

(SN)

Here is what ESPN had to say about Brooks being named a McDonald’s All-American.

Zoe Brooks, G

Signed with: NC State | 2023 ESPNW 100 ranking: 9
St. John Vianney HS (New Jersey)

Brooks is a gifted scorer who can flat out put the ball in the basket. Over the past 18 months, she has really gone to work on her conditioning and it brought her game to another level. She is a true three-level scorer. Defenses must be there on the close out, but containing Brooks is no easy feat as she attacks angles, changes speeds, and has the footwork and handle to counter. Her strength allows her to finish with contact at the rim and her touch provides an array of floaters and usage of the glass for buckets. Brooks sees the floor well and zips passes to teammates for open looks. Defensively, she has fantastic instincts and is good in passing lanes and in the press. Brooks is averaging 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. (ESPN)

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Women’s Basketball: #20 NC State 71 Miami 61: Box Score & Highlights

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#20 NC State picked up a much needed win last night against Miami, defeating the Hurricanes 71-61 in PNC Arena, avoiding a 3-game skid.

Sophomore Guard Saniya Rivers led the pack with 14 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Seniors Camille Hobby and Mimi Collins both had 11 points.

Sophomore Guard Aziaha James had 10 points, and led the Pack with 6 rebounds.

The Wolfpack was without Jada Boyd and Jessica Timmons last night, and River Baldwin went down with an injury, and will have an MRI tomorrow.

NC State is now 14-5 overall, and 4-4 in ACC play, and will play at Louisville on Sunday at 1pm on ABC.

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