On Saturday, January 17, the NC State Wolfpack will face off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Lenovo Center, with the game set to begin at 12:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on The CW as both teams look to solidify their standings in the competitive ACC.
According to predictions from KenPom and Bart Torvik, NC State is projected to win decisively, with expected final scores of 86-69 and 89-68, respectively. NC State has demonstrated a strong offensive presence throughout the season, averaging 86.5 points per game while allowing 71.2. Their shooting efficiency is noteworthy, boasting a field goal percentage of 48.5% and an impressive 3-point shooting percentage of 40.1%. The Wolfpack has also excelled in rebounding, assists, and maintaining a low turnover rate, setting a solid foundation for their gameplay.
Currently, the Wolfpack holds a record of 12-5 and is ranked 25th by KenPom and 26th by Bart Torvik, placing them 5th in the ACC’s NET rankings with a score of 29. They have shown improvements in their offensive strategy recently, particularly with Darrion Williams taking on a primary ball-handling role, resulting in two back-to-back games with more than 20 points from him.
The match against Georgia Tech holds significant implications for NC State’s NCAA Tournament resume. Despite the Yellow Jackets’ struggles this season, now sitting at 10-8 and ranked 137th by KenPom, they must not be underestimated. Coach Damon Stoudamire has faced challenges in recent years but demonstrated resilience, leading last season’s team through injury adversity into the NIT. This season, he has a strong returning core, including All-ACC player Baye Ndongo, though they’ll be without top freshman Sylla due to injury.
Statistically, the Yellow Jackets average 75.4 points per game with a field goal percentage of 44.9%. However, they rank at the bottom of the conference in several categories, including turnovers. This could be a critical advantage for NC State, especially if they can maintain their strong defensive performance.
As they prepare for this matchup, NC State aims to continue their momentum while ensuring a victory over an opponent that has struggled to find consistency. Winning is imperative for the Wolfpack to maintain their current standing in the tournament conversation, as a loss could negatively impact their record against Q4 teams.
In anticipation of the game, all eyes will be on how the Wolfpack distribution of minutes adjusts with the possible return of Tre Holloman, alongside the evolving roles of players like Williams and the progression of the team’s performance against Georgia Tech’s defensive strengths. With a hopeful spirit, the Wolfpack looks to claim another step forward in their season journey, seeking an 80-69 victory to bolster their confidence as they gear up for even tougher challenges ahead.