As NC State gears up for their upcoming clash against Seton Hall, key statistics highlight areas for improvement, particularly in ball protection. The Wolfpack, who have struggled with turnovers, will need to step up their game as opponents have been averaging 7.8 steals, while Seton Hall boasts an even more impressive average of 10.4 steals per game. Guards Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith have shown their capability with individual games featuring four steals each, but as a team, they must do better to secure possession and limit the Pirates’ defensive prowess.
Another player to watch is Paul McNeil, who had a challenging outing last game, going scoreless with only four attempts, all from beyond the arc. For NC State’s offense to be effective, McNeil needs to diversify his shot selection and contribute more actively, especially by attacking the basket. His scoring threats are crucial, as they could alleviate pressure from teammates, particularly if Matt Able steps into a more prominent role.
Depth will play a significant role in this matchup, and NC State is in a position to utilize its rotation effectively. The return of Terrance Arceneaux is timely, as the Wolfpack look to reintegrate him into the lineup. With possible contributions from Jerry Deng and Alyn Breed, NC State may find themselves deploying ten or even eleven players to maintain energy and pressure throughout the game.
Strategically, maximizing possessions will be vital for NC State’s success. The Pirates rank 27th in KenPom defensive efficiency, a testament to their formidable defensive strategy. Furthermore, Seton Hall’s gameplay aims for a slowed tempo, currently ranking 350th in pace, while also looking to keep scoring low—evidenced by their rank of 362nd in average possession length. They effectively limit turnovers as well, finding themselves in the top 40 for fewest turnovers committed, which poses an additional challenge for the Wolfpack.
Overall, this matchup promises to test NC State’s adaptability and depth against a disciplined Seton Hall team. With the right adjustments and a focus on maintaining possession, the Wolfpack can take significant steps forward in securing a crucial victory as they look to capitalize on their strengths and harness their potential.