The Liberty Flames are set to face off against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in an eagerly anticipated matchup in Raleigh, North Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack enter the contest as the favorites, with a spread of 13 points and a moneyline of -1200, while the total points are set at 152.5.
Expectations for the game are high, with a prediction suggesting that Liberty may have a chance to cover the spread. The recommendation is to bet on Liberty at +12 or better. With a capable offense led by elite shot-making guards and the versatile forward Zach Cleveland, the Flames have shown potential to keep pace with their opponents. Liberty’s offensive strategies, under the guidance of coach Ritchie McKay, have consistently executed efficient motion-based plays, reflecting their impressive statistics in 2-point shooting, 3-point shooting, and turnover rate, ranking in the top 10 nationally.
On the other side, NC State has struggled defensively this season, dropping outside the top 80 in national defensive efficiency. Their inability to maintain effective rim protection and the high 3-point rate allowed has raised concerns about their defensive capabilities. While NC State showcased a strong offensive game, their defense has been far from impenetrable, giving Liberty an opening to exploit mismatches.
Although NC State is projected as a stronger team, this matchup could see the Flames perform well enough to stay competitive. The predicted line, suggesting NC State as only an 8.9-point favorite, indicates that Liberty might just put up a strong fight.
As both teams prepare for an exciting clash, fans can look forward to a thrilling evening of college basketball.