WOLFERETTI: 5 Keys to the game vs. #20 Auburn

Alright folks, family came into town for Thanksgiving, so I’ve been MIA since Maui. But I’m back with my 5 keys to taking down #20 Auburn.

– Win the shootout
NC State is working with a highly efficient offense, but Auburn is going to put up some points as well. They rank 12th nationally in ORtg (adjusted offensive efficiency), while the Pack ranks #1o. Both teams are flush with scorers, and both teams have pretty porous defenses. As a team NC State is shooting 44% from deep (4th best in the nation) while Auburn is only shooting 33%.

– Slow down Tahaad Pettiford
The 6’1 PG is lightning quick and plays with an edge. He’s going to do everything he can to get into the lane, and once he’s there he can do damage. For an NC State equivalent, envision if Marcus Hill had a better jumper. He’s lefty, he’s great at changing speeds, he’s crafy around the rim and likes to finish amongst the trees. But he’s also got a quality midrange game and in big games this year, he’s shot the 3 well. Last year he was a 36% shooter from long range. This year he’s only a 27%, but don’t let that fool you. He was awful his first 3 games and has gotten back on track recently.

Pettiford is the motor. You can’t afford to get him switched off on Lubin, he’ll eat him alive and put the defense into a blender. Slow him down, and you slow Auburn down.

– Win the Darrion Williams vs. Keyshawn Hall battle
Two tweeners with tons of ability. Hall is averaging 20 and 9, while Williams is at 19 and 5. These guys are going to be matched up against each other, and it should be fun. Both can shoot the 3. Both can bully you on the block. Both have great touch around the rim, and both are savvy basketball players.

– Big games from the McNeil, Able, Holloman trio
We haven’t really seen a game yet where all 3 of these guys were hitting on all cylinders, but if there was a night you need to see it, it’s tonight. NC State needs all the firepower they can get vs. Auburn, so I think you’re going to need to get your big games from Lubin and Williams, sure, but you’re going to need the whole village ready for battle in this game.

– Copeland with under 3 turnovers. 
NC State needs an initiator, and they have that in Quadir Copeland. He’s tough to guard and really puts the defense in some tough positions with his ability to get in the paint. But turnovers against good teams will cost you and at times Copeland can get a little loose with the basketball. This will be a game of possessions and NC State needs to cherish every single one of those. Copeland needs to play a solid game and protect the basketball if NC State is going to roll into Auburn and sneak out with a victory.