Kevin Keatts is a Top-10 killer.
The Wolfpack are now 4-1 against Top-10 opponents under the tutelage of Kevin Keatts, and are undefeated against Top-10 teams in the PNC Arena.
11/22/17 – #2 Arizona – 90-84 (W) – N
1/6/18 – #2 Duke – 96-85 (W) – H
1/14/18 – #3 UVA – 68-51 (L) – A
1/27/18 – #10 UNC – 95-91 (OT) (W) – A
12/19/18 – #7 Auburn – 78-71 (W) – H
No coach in NC State history has had this kind of success against Top-10 teams at the beginning of their careers.
Everett Case started 1-3 (the rankings started in his 3rd year after taking the job).
Norm Sloan lost his first 8 games against Top-10 opponents.
Jimmy V, who just had the arena named after him at Reynolds Coliseum, won his first game against a Top-10 team on the 8th try, and went 1-10 in the first 11.
Les Robinson won 2 of his first 6 against the Top-10.
Herb Sendek picked up his 1st Top-10 victory on his 5th try, and started 1-6 against the cream of the crop.
Sidney Lowe started 1-9, winning his 1st on the 8th go-around.
Mark Gottfried also won his 1st on the 8th try, posting a record of 2-12 in his 1st 14 games against the Top-10.
The last time NC State has beaten 4 Top-10 teams in the span of 13 months?
The 1984-85 season.
Kevin Keatts is a winner.