#23 NC State looks for revenge against UNC | Preview and How to Watch

#23 NC State Wolfpack vs. UNC
Location: Raleigh, NC
TV: ESPN

The Wolfpack comes in at 1.5 pt favorites over the cross-town rival Tar Heels, in a game that could make State’s tournament argument even better, and could decimate the Heels’ NCAA dreams.

Last time out vs. UNC, the Pack didn’t play great, but they certainly outplayed the Tar Heels in almost ever aspect of the game…except one.

Wolferetti: UNC’s 39 FTs vs. NC State were the most they’ve shot in an ACC game since 2007 (in a game that had eerily similar stats and outcome)https://t.co/wifI9fp0wl

— Pack Insider (@PackInsider) January 23, 2023

UNC shot 39 FTs, even though both big men had the same number of attempts and both teams shot nearly the same amount of 3s. NC State shot 12 FTs. The game wasn’t called fairly to state it bluntly.

That said, NC State allowed that to get to them. Instead of playing their game against UNC, they got frustrated and played too much 1 on 1 basketball. If they stay the course, and play their game, and the refs call it even REMOTELY fairly, the Pack’s overall talent advantage should show.

Another key will be having back Jack Clark. He’s returned with the stroke he had early in the season, and becomes a major piece both in rebounding and in giving Keatts another scoring option.

Keys to the game for NC State will be slowing down Bacot and not allowing RJ Davis to get to the line. UNC struggles to shoot the ball on most nights, so overplaying these guards if they’re not hitting makes no sense. Let them shoot contested jumpers all night long. It’s been the best defense against the Heels all season long.