The Wolfpack travels to Tallahassee for an upcoming showdown against the Florida State Seminoles. The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at 12:00 PM. It will take place at the Donald L Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
Match Overview
The matchup features NC State battling Florida State, who have faced challenges this season. Currently, the Seminoles sit at 17th place in the ACC, falling short of pre-season expectations that had them predicted to finish 15th.
Coaching Changes
This season marks the beginning of Coach Luke Loucks’ first head coaching role. Loucks, a former Seminole player, succeeded the legendary Leonard Hamilton. Before stepping up as head coach, Loucks spent a decade as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and the Sacramento Kings.
Season Performance
- Florida State’s Record: The team has not secured any wins in Quadrants 1, 2, or 3 this season.
- Recent Performance: In their last home game, Florida State put up a strong fight against Duke, losing by just four points.
- Key Players: Somerville and MaGee rank 9th and 10th respectively in three-point shots made per game.
NC State’s Tournament Aspirations
For NC State, the path to the NCAA Tournament looks increasingly precarious. A recent loss to UVA dimmed their hopes significantly. The Wolfpack must win all remaining Quadrant 2 and 3 games and aim for victories in Quadrant 1 games to improve their tournament outlook.
Game Predictions
- KenPom Prediction: NC State projected to win 86-79.
- Bart Torvik Prediction: NC State also favored with a 85-79 projected win.
Key to Victory for NC State
NC State must avoid a poor first half. If they can make effective adjustments, hit crucial shots, and enhance their defense after halftime, they have a solid chance to secure victory, potentially winning the game 80-69.
This upcoming encounter is critical for both teams. As the Wolfpack aims to strengthen their position for the NCAA Tournament, the Seminoles will be eager to show their resilience under new leadership.
