NC State Looks for first winning streak in ACC play vs. Boston College | Breakdown, Preview & How to Watch

NC State Wolfpack vs. Boston College
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Raleigh, NC
TV: ACCN
Line: NC State -6

NC State hasn’t won back-to-back games since they topped Nebraska on December 1st. That means, when they take the floor tonight against Boston College, they will have their have the chance to go on their first winning streak in conference play.

To do this, the Pack is going to need to recreate what they did against Georgia Tech, a game where they got double-digit scoring from their 3 top guys. Seabron had a double-double, Smith played just 24 minutes and scored 26 points and Hellems finished with 15 points and 7 boards (despite shooting just 3-16 from the floor.) They also finally saw glimpses of Cam Hayes breaking out. Remember, we noted that a Cam Hayes late-season breakout was looking more likely just a couple of weeks ago. Hayes went 6-13 from the floor, scored 14 points and even pitched in with 5 boards and 2 assists (in just 25 minutes).

State really needs to get production from someone outside of their big 3 if they want to put a run together. Hayes snapping out of his slump would be ideal, but Casey Morsell has also emerged as a potential scoring option late in ACC play. Either of these two getting going would be a huge boost for the Pack.

Meanwhile, Boston College is 5-11 (12th in the ACC0 on the season, just a game up on NC State. They too are coming off a win.

The Eagles crushed FSU (71-55) last time out, but had lost their previous 5. They rely on 6’3 senior guard Makai Ashton-Langford who averages 12 points and 3.5 assist per game. He’s shooting just 30% from long range, so he’s not a guy that’s going to kill you from outside, but he is a talented kid who makes the Eagles go.

Then there is 6’5 sophomore guard DeMarr Langford Jr who averages 11 ppg. He too shoots in the low 30s from 3, so again, another guy who makes his living driving to the hoop. This is who BC is. They have big guards and they want to create mismatches with these guys. That can work at times, but against NC State it’s not going to be an advantage. The Pack is big at every position, and will switch every screen, meaning you aren’t going to see many mismatches.

In the paint, BC relies on James Karnik, a 6’9 230lb senior. He’s 9 points and 5 boards per game. He’s not going to out athlete anyone, and he’s not a super physical player on the block. In fact, Karnik is a great matchup for Dowuona. He’s not going to be able to get great position, and if he does, he’s giving up size and athleticism.

This is a good matchup for the Pack and there’s a good chance they finally get their first winning streak of the ACC season here.