The NC State Wolfpack and the No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers are set to clash in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals in Charlotte. With tip-off scheduled for noon ET, fans are eager to see if NC State can turn the tide against a Virginia team that has had their number all season.
NC State, seeded seventh, made a strong statement in their last game, taking down the 15-seed Pitt Panthers 98-88. Quadir Copeland was instrumental, racking up 24 points and 8 assists, while Ven-Allen Lubin chipped in 18 points. The Wolfpack's aggressive defense forced 11 turnovers, converting them into 14 points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
On the other side, Virginia wrapped up their regular season with a narrow 76-72 victory over Virginia Tech. Despite not covering the spread as 11.5-point favorites, the Cavaliers have been a model of consistency, boasting 11 wins in their last 12 games and finishing conference play with a 15-3 record. Their defense has been a standout, allowing just 68.3 points per game, the third-best in the ACC, earning them the No. 2 seed.
Virginia has dominated the season series against NC State, winning both encounters decisively. Their first meeting ended in a 76-61 victory, and they followed it up with an even more commanding 90-61 win. The Cavaliers have managed to stifle NC State’s offense, holding them to just 61 points in both games.
Looking ahead to this matchup, Virginia is favored by 5.5 points. While it's notoriously challenging to defeat the same team three times in a season, the Cavaliers’ track record against the Wolfpack speaks volumes. Their defense, combined with an offense that averages 80.9 points per game, poses a formidable challenge.
NC State, however, has shown they can light up the scoreboard, as evidenced by their 98-point outburst against Pitt. But Virginia’s disciplined defense and ability to control the game’s tempo could prove decisive. With the Cavaliers having the advantage of extra rest, they’re poised to set the tone and pull away in the second half.
As for the over/under, it’s a tricky call. While there’s a slight lean towards the Over, Virginia’s potential slow start makes the total unpredictable. NC State has been hitting the Over frequently, but with mixed trends, it might be wise to steer clear of betting on the total.
In summary, Virginia looks set to advance, but NC State won't go down without a fight. Fans should brace for an exciting showdown as these two teams battle it out for a spot in the ACC semifinals.