Virginia Faces 21st-Ranked Pack Saturday at Lenovo Center, 11 AM Tip-Off
NC State’s men’s basketball team is set to face the 21st-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, January 6, at 11 AM. The game takes place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
NC State Season Overview
Currently, NC State holds an 11-4 overall record and is 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Their recent performance includes a decisive 70-57 victory against Wake Forest, where the team showcased strong defensive capabilities. After leading 36-32 at halftime, they restricted Wake Forest to just 13 points during the first 17 minutes of the second half.
Key Players to Watch
- Quadir Copeland: Led NC State against Wake Forest with 14 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Over the last eight games, he averages 16.3 points and is crucial to the team’s offensive strategies.
- Ven-Allen Lubin: Notable for his double-double performance against Wake Forest with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He boasts an impressive 68.2% field goal percentage this season and is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- Paul McNeil, Jr.: Recently named ACC Player of the Week, he scored a career-high 47 points in a previous game, including 12 rebounds. His impressive shooting, particularly from three-point range, is a significant asset for NC State.
Game Statistics
NC State ranks highly in several ACC categories:
- 4th in scoring with an average of 87.0 points per game.
- 4th in field goal percentage at 48.7%.
- Leading the conference in three-point shooting at 38.5%.
- 4th in free throw percentage with 76.3%.
Upcoming Match Insights
Winning this match would enable NC State to begin conference play with a 2-0 record for the second time in the last three seasons. Additionally, the team has a chance to improve their home record against ranked opponents, with the last such victory occurring in January 2023 against 16th-ranked Miami.
Both teams are proficient at three-point shooting, with NC State averaging 10.8 three-pointers per game and Virginia close behind at 10.5. The matchup is set to be a contest between two of the top shooting teams in the ACC.
Key Matchup Factors
Rebounding is expected to be a crucial aspect of the game. NC State is undefeated when they out-rebound opponents this season. Virginia ranks highly in offensive rebounding with an average of 14.8 per game, presenting a tough challenge for the Wolfpack.
Historical Significance
This match will mark the 159th meeting between NC State and Virginia. Historically, NC State leads the series 87-71. The Pack has also recently won their last two contests against the Cavaliers in Raleigh.
Fans can tune in to the action on ESPN2 or listen via the Wolfpack Sports Network with commentators Matt Chazanow and Chucky Brown calling the game.
