NC State vs Pittsburgh: A Crucial ACC Showdown on the Road
The NC State Wolfpack are hitting the road for a critical matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers this Saturday, January 24th. The game, set for a 12:00 PM tip-off at the Petersen Events Center, will be broadcast on ESPNU. For the Wolfpack, this represents an opportunity to extend their impressive road win streak to four consecutive games.
The Men In Black Head to Pittsburgh
NC State, often referred to as the 'Men In Black' due to their distinctive black uniforms, is coming off a strong performance. The team's record stands at 13-6 overall, with a 4-2 mark in ACC play. Both KenPom and Bart Torvik rank the Wolfpack at #27, while their NET ranking is 29. Their season so far has seen a clear improvement, particularly in the third and fourth quarters of the season.
Wolfpack Season Snapshot
Coach Wes Wade has been candid about the team's progress. After a tough win against Clemson, he noted, 'It’s a relief, because I didn’t know if we had it in us or not. I’m being truthful. It was good to see us have that in us and play with some poise and execute, execute in a tough environment.'
The message is clear: while Coach Wade wasn't initially confident about the team's ability to perform under pressure, their recent successes have proven him wrong. Now, the expectation is that this level of play will continue moving forward.
Statistical Breakdown
On the court, NC State has been impressive. They average 85.5 points per game (PPG), while holding opponents to 71.8 PPG. Their field goal percentage stands at 47.6%, with a strong 3-point shooting percentage of 39.6%. Rebounding is another strength, with an average of 36.1 rebounds per game.
However, the team does have areas to improve, particularly in turnovers (16.7 per game) and steals (8.7 per game).
What's at Stake?
This game carries significant weight in the ACC standings. Pittsburgh, with a record of 8-11 and just 1-5 in conference play, presents a Q2 matchup for NC State. A win would not only extend the Wolfpack's road win streak but also bolster their position in the conference hierarchy.
The Uniform Debate
Before the game, there was some discussion about NC State's uniforms. The team has been wearing special 'STATE' logo uniforms this season, which have coincided with strong performances. Coach Wade has expressed his liking for these uniforms, stating, 'I like them. We should wear them. We've played well in them both times we've worn them.'
Interestingly, for this game against Pittsburgh, NC State will wear black uniforms for the first time this season. This change adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Player Notes
On the injury front, Scottie Ebube is dealing with an ankle issue, though his status for the game remains to be seen. Jerry Deng, who has been nursing a groin injury, is expected to redshirt and may transfer elsewhere next season. His absence has been noted by the team.
Opponent Overview: The Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh, coached by Jeff Capel in his eighth season, comes into this matchup with a challenging record. The Panthers were picked by the media to finish 14th in the ACC, and Capel's coaching tenure at Pitt has seen mixed results, with only three winning seasons and one NCAA tournament appearance ('22-'23).
Many in the media suggest that Capel's job security may be on the line this season, adding extra pressure to the game.
Pittsburgh's Season So Far
The Panthers' record stands at 8-11 overall, with a 1-5 ACC record. Their rankings are considerably lower than NC State's, with KenPom placing them at #99 and Bart Torvik at #109. Their NET ranking is 121, making them the 16th highest-ranked team in the ACC.
In terms of quality wins and bad losses, Pittsburgh has managed to defeat Ohio State (NET 37) and Miami (NET 30) on the road. However, they've also suffered losses to teams like Clemson (NET 25) and Syracuse (NET 74), indicating inconsistency.
Freshman Spotlight: Roman Siulepa
One player to watch for Pittsburgh is freshman Roman Siulepa, who was highly rated coming into the season. His performance could be a key factor in how the Panthers approach this matchup against the Wolfpack.
Key Matchup to Watch
With starting point guard Demarco Minor potentially sidelined due to a flagrant foul that got him ejected in a recent game against Boston College, Pittsburgh may need to adjust their strategy. NC State will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Panthers' backcourt.
Conclusion: A Battle of Momentum
As the game approaches, both teams are looking to use this matchup to gain momentum. For NC State, a win would solidify their position as a road team capable of competing in any environment. For Pittsburgh, a victory could provide a much-needed boost to their season and potentially alleviate some of the pressure on Coach Capel.
With the Wolfpack's strong recent form and the Panthers' need for a confidence boost, this promises to be an exciting contest. Basketball fans should tune in to see if NC State can continue their impressive road trip or if Pittsburgh will rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd.
