Previewing NC State’s Opponent: BYU

NC State will tipoff against the BYU Cougars tonight in the Las Vegas Showdown at 10pm, and the Wolfpack will have their hands full. BYU is a 6.5-point, and KenPom gives the Cougars a 75% chance of winning the contest. ESPN gives BYU a 60.6% chance of winning.

BYU is likely the 2nd hardest non-conference opponent the Wolfpack will face this year, right behind #7 Tennessee. The Cougars might be right outside the Top-25 in the AP Poll, at 28th, but they rank 12th according to KenPom.

They rank 20th in Offensive Efficiency and 9th in Defensive Efficiency. The Cougars rank 18th in Effective Field Goal Percentage, and 9th in Offensive Rebound Percentage. On the Defensive side of the ball, BYU ranks 5th in Effective Field Goal Percentage Defense and 4th in Offensive Rebound Percentage Defense.

BYU is extremely balanced, with 6 players scoring in double figures. As a team, they blister the nets, shooting 49% from the field, and 38.1% from beyond the arch.