NC State gets first real test tonight vs. Oklahoma State | Game Preview & How to Watch

NC State Wolfpack vs Oklahoma State
Hall of Fame Showcase Tournament
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, CT
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line: OK State -3

This young NC State team will get it’s first real test of the season against a high major opponent when they take on OK State at 8pm tonight.

Preview of The OK State Cowboys
Oklahoma State comes into this game 3-1, with wins over UT Arlington, Praire-View, and UMass-Lowell. They did lose to Oakland by 1. They were picked by ESPN to finish 4th in the BIG-12.

The team is currently being led by sophomore guard Bryce Thompson, who is averaging just over 10ppg, but really isn’t shooting it all that great. He’s a 6’5 kid who is going to do his damage attacking the basket. So far this season, teams have found it hard to match up with him. But NC State certainly has the size to do just that.

They also have 6’10 sophomore Moussa Cissa, who is their 6’10 big. He’s going to be a big problem for NC State. He’s averaging 10 points and 7 boards per game this season. If State had Manny Bates, we wouldn’t be worried about Cissa, but with what we’ve seen from the young bigs manning State’s frontcourt, there is certainly reason to worry.

MOUSSA CISSE 🔨
pic.twitter.com/liepZLpL70

— Barstool Bench Mob (@stoolbenchmob) November 16, 2021

Oklahoma State is a lot like NC State. They are a team that is younger but full of talent. This is a winnable game for the Pack, but without Bates it’s going to be tough to win the battle inside (which is where OK State is going to want to take this one.)

Key Notes for NC State coming into this game

1. Thomas Allen is back and got 22 minutes last night. He seems to have eaten into Cam Hayes’ minutes. Keatts said Hayes was cramping, but Breon Pass also had positive minutes. Hayes sat at the end of the Colgate game too. Keatts wants more from Hayes and needs more from him. He’s not turning the ball over which is great, but Keatts needs playmakers and floor leaders and right now he’s waiting on Cam to show he can be that. Otherwise, he might be looking at a minute share at the point.
2. Gibson and Dowuona are now splitting minutes down the middle. Ernest Ross is getting some run. Keatts is looking for anyone who can provide anything in the post. Right now, no one is standing out.
3. Speaking of Ross, he had 6 rebounds in 6 minutes of play. Those 6 minutes were not pretty and he missed 3 shots, looked a little lost on offense, and drifted to the corner when they need his size in the middle. Defensively he looked not a little unsure of himself and lost on certain possessions. He’s still a work in progress, but 6 boards in 6 minutes is a good start and Keatts has no option but to bring him along fast.
4. NC State must shoot well in this game and must rebound with OK State. If NC State can keep the Cowboys off the offensive glass and they can shoot it well from outside, then this game can be won. If they allow Cissa to beast in the middle and get easy put-backs, it’s going to be a loss.