On January 20, the NC State Wolfpack will face the Clemson Tigers at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, South Carolina. The game is set to begin at 7:00 PM, and it holds significant implications for both teams.
Matchup Overview
This matchup will be the first time NC State Coach Wade faces his alma mater as an ACC coach. Last season, Coach Wade’s McNeese State squad managed an upset over a strong Clemson team in the NCAA tournament.
Recent Performance
The Wolfpack is looking for a critical win after a disappointing loss against Georgia Tech. Currently, they do not have any Quadrant 1 (Q1) victories, putting pressure on the team to improve their NET resume.
Clemson’s Form
- Clemson is currently ranked 25th in the NET standings.
- The Tigers are undefeated at home and in the ACC this season.
- Last season, Clemson achieved a record of 27 wins and 7 losses, going 18-2 in conference play.
Coach Brownell, now in his 16th season, is the winningest coach in Clemson history. Despite losing 90% of last season’s scoring, he has successfully integrated 10 new players into the roster.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Davidson: A standout from Nevada and a second-team All-Mountain West selection.
- Carter Welling: Known as “The Mormon Missile,” he was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year.
- Zac Foster: The highest-ranked high school recruit in Clemson history, a 4-star CG.
- “Butta” Johnson: A three-point shooter to watch, currently shooting 34.5% this season.
- RJ Godfrey: A former Clemson player who transferred back and is now leading the team in scoring.
Game Predictions
According to predictions from KenPom and Bart Torvik, Clemson is expected to secure a win with scores projected at 75-71 and 74-68, respectively. The outcome of this game could be pivotal for NC State as they seek to bounce back from recent struggles.
This clash between NC State and Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to solidify their standings in the conference.
