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NC State Basketball

PREVIEW: Deacs Up Next

February 17, 2018
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NC State returns to action today at 4pm on the road at Wake Forest.  Here is a preview of the huge game for the Wolfpack.



The Facts

When: 2/17 @ 4:00 PM
Where: Lawrence Joel Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
Where To Watch: Fox 
Betting Line: NC State +2
Head To Head Record: NC State currently leads the series 141–105

How good has Wake been this year?

Wake Forest currently sits second-to-last in the ACC with a 3-11 record in conference play.

Overall Danny Manning’s squad has a record of 10-16 including a 2-8 stretch over the past 10 contests.

* Their three ACC wins have come from Syracuse, Georgia Tech, and Florida State. 

* Wake and NC State have already played once this year.

NC State came away with the 72-63 victory on January 18th. Wake lead at the half, but NC State pulled away in the second.

Four NC State starters scored in double figures lead by Omer Yurtseven’s 22.

What do the Stats Say?

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Al Freeman will need to have a big game for the Wolfpack.

Statistically speaking Wake is not a very high scoring team, averaging around 70 points per game in conference play which is good for 10th in the conference while giving up 76.7 points per game which (12th). 

* NC State should be concerned by Wake’s ability to efficiently make three's as they are tops in the ACC shooting nearly 40% from deep collectively. Surprisingly though, NC State has allowed the second least amount of threes of any team in the ACC. 

* Wake Forest does not take care of the ball very well. They rank near dead last in the conference in turnovers, and NC State is a team that likes to force tempo and pressure teams into mistakes.

Currently NC State is third best in the ACC in creating turnovers. 

Scouting the Demon Deacons

Wake’s unquestioned leader is junior Bryant Crawford. The 6-foot-3 point guard averages 16.5 points per game while also dishing out over five assists. He is a capable shooter and usually connects on a couple of threes a game on a reasonable volume.

Historically, he hasn’t been the type of guy who absolutely scares you, but he was someone that you had to respect his shot. This year he has increased his efficiency and is shooting nearly 40% from deep.

He is incredibly reliable, scoring in double figures in he all but one game, and has eclipsed the 20 point mark seven times this year including 2 in his past 3 games. He is an extremely accurate free throw shooter and gets to the line a fair amount.  Be prepared to hear his name a lot. 

* The only true post threat Wake has in their arsenal is junior Doral Moore. Moore is a long athlete and measures in at 7-foot-1.  He has a sturdy frame and is a defensive stalwart averaging two blocks a game.

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Omer Yurtseven vs. Doral Moore will be a major matchup in the game. 

He is an inconsistent scorer and can disappear at times on the offensive end of the court. Moore is an abysmal free throw shooter and for his size he gets to the line a surprisingly low amount of times. He doesn’t command the ball, and will rely on others to create scoring opportunities.

Omer Yurtseven could space him out effectively on offense and could present a tough cover for more. 

* The only other real standout is junior Keyshawn Woods.

He hasn’t been a full-time starter this season but is shooting a good clip on a low volume from deep. The Pack will need to be sure to know where he is and not lose track of him. 

*Wake Forest will have multiple guys who are a threat from deep on the floor together at most times in this game.

Guard Mitchell Wilbekin shoots about four threes a game and Brandon Childress is a capable shooter.

Chaundee Brown is usually good for one three a game as well. 

Breaking the Streak?

NC State has lost five in a row in Winston-Salem. The Pack’s last win came all the way back in the 2011-12 season. 

Wake will win if…

Wake will win if NC State gives up a ton of open looks from deep.

There are times in this game where Wake is going to have four shooters and Doral Moore on the court. If State gets sloppy in pick-and-roll defense, or guys lose their assignment in the press, then Wake will get a lot of clean looks.

This Demon Deacon team has a lot guys who can shoot it. 

NC State will win if…

NC State wins this game handily if Bryant Crawford scores less than 20 points. Their simply aren’t enough scorers on this team to carry a less than great night from him.

If State can make someone else beat them then they have a fantastic shot of winning this game.

 
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