The NC State men’s basketball team, boasting an impressive record of 18-6 and 9-2 in the ACC, prepares to face No. 24 Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday night. The matchup, which marks the seventh away game for NC State in their last ten outings, is set for a 7 p.m. tipoff and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also catch the action via the Wolfpack Sports Network, hosted by former player Chucky Brown.
The Wolfpack extended their winning streak to six games following an 82-73 victory over Virginia Tech last Saturday, making this streak the longest current winning streak in the ACC. This marks the first time NC State has reached a six-game ACC win streak since their historic 1973-74 season when they achieved a perfect 12-0 in conference play, ultimately leading to a National Championship title.
The recent success has come as NC State improved its ACC record to 9-2, its best start through 11 games since the 2003-04 season. Notably, the team remains undefeated in its first six ACC road games of the season, a feat not accomplished since the legendary 1973-74 squad.
Star player Terquavion Smith helped pave the way to victory against Virginia Tech with 21 points, while also contributing 10 assists and a career-high five steals. His standout performance is part of a remarkable trend where he has led the team in scoring in eight of their last 18 games, demonstrating his pivotal role in both offense and defense.
Point guard Jarkel Joiner has also been instrumental, continuing to showcase his abilities after achieving a career-high 16 assists with zero turnovers earlier this season, a record that reflects his exceptional playmaking skills. Joiner has consistently facilitated the offense while maintaining a high-level scoring average, contributing greatly to the team’s success.
Statistically, NC State has excelled in its three-point shooting, ranking second in the ACC and 11th nationally with an average of 11.0 successful three-pointers per game, shooting an impressive 40.2% from beyond the arc. This effectiveness from long range has become a key component of their offensive strategy, particularly during their road games where they have shot even better than at home.
Moreover, the team’s ball-handling has been commendable, as they have kept turnovers to a minimum, averaging just 7.2 per game in their ACC road contests. This efficiency has allowed NC State to maintain a +32 turnover margin on the road, showcasing their discipline and strategic play.
As they prepare for Louisville, the Wolfpack’s ongoing success gives fans hope for a strong performance. Their last two victories against the Cardinals have come in the KFC Yum! Center, further adding to their confidence heading into this much-anticipated clash.
With both teams looking for a significant win, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, highlighting the competitiveness of ACC basketball this season.