NC State takes on CCSU in game 1 of Hall of Fame Showcase | Game Preview & How to Watch

NC State Wolfpack vs Central Connecticut
Hall of Fame Showcase Tournament
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, CT
TV: FloHoops (subscription service) * There is no free legal stream
Line: NC State -24

Preview of The Central Connecticut Blue Devils

CCSU is coming into this game 0-2, and both games were blowouts. They lost by nearly 50 to a ranked UConn team and then was beaten by Brown by 20. Let’s just say, they have problems.

Their biggest problem is turnovers.  They are ranked 353rd nationally in ball security and turn the ball over in nearly 1/3 of all possessions. That problem is going to be even more glaring as they go up against a Wolfpack team who is going to be trying to create turnovers all night long, hounding ball handlers and getting in passing lanes.

As for scoring, the Devils have one guy averaging double digits, and that is senior forward Stephane Ayangma. He’s averaging 11 points per game, but he’s coming in undersized at 6’6 and shooting way above average from 3 point range at 66%) He’s 2-3 but over his career he’s a 30% 3 point shooter. What we’re trying to say is, not to get hung up thinking he’s some threat from downtown.

We could go down the line and get into the stats, but let’s be honest. You don’t care, this isn’t some game you’re trying to statistically break down to find advantages for NC State. The Pack has the advantage at every position in this one and if they don’t self-destruct, should be walking away with a win.

Keys for NC State

The keys for the Wolfpack are to handle business. Turn these guys over, attack the rim, and work on getting a few guys more comfortable in their roles.

We’d like to see Cam Hayes attack the basket a little more and find open shooters. We’d like to see the bigs get a little action on the block to try to build up some confidence, and we’d like to see Hellems get back on track in this one since tomorrow they are up against their first real test on Oklahoma State.