The North Carolina State Wolfpack will take on the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in an exciting college basketball matchup on Monday, November 17, at 7:00 PM at the Lenovo Center. This game will be broadcast on the ACC Network.
Currently, NC State boasts a perfect record of 3-0, holding spot #20 in KenPom rankings and #35 in Bart Torvik’s metrics. The Wolfpack have shown strong performances this season with an impressive average of 106 points per game, a figure that highlights their offensive prowess. However, they will face a VCU team that is also looking to make its mark this season.
The Rams, who are part of the Atlantic 10 Conference, have a record of 2-1 and are ranked #64 by KenPom and #58 by Bart Torvik. VCU had a powerful start by defeating Wagner with a score of 103-74, marking their first 100-point game since 2014. They faced a tougher opponent next, falling 80-77 to Utah State, but rebounded with a strong 78-61 victory over Saint Peter’s.
In terms of player performances, NC State’s Terance Arceneaux is still recovering from an Achilles injury, limiting his play to just 18 minutes this season. Ven Lubin is also nursing a thumb injury but managed limited minutes against UNCG. Meanwhile, star player Jarkel Joiner leads the team in scoring, averaging 21.7 points per game.
For VCU, notable players include Jadrian Tracey, who transferred from Oregon and is contributing an average of 13.3 points. Freshman sensation Nyk Lewis, ranked as a 4-star recruit, has quickly made a name for himself and secured a starting position, further enhancing the Rams’ lineup.
With the upcoming game, expectations are high for both teams. NC State’s robust scoring ability contrasts with VCU’s resilience as they adjust under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr., who previously led Bryant to success in the American East Conference. The Rams, having lost their top five scorers from last season, will rely on a mix of seasoned transfers and emerging talent to compete effectively.
Both teams will be looking to assert themselves as serious contenders, making the matchup on November 17 a must-watch for college basketball fans as they aim for victory and position themselves favorably in their respective conferences.