TRI-PARTISAN: Defense Key To NC State's Recent Win Streak

Each week I submit a Tri-Partisan column to WRALSportsFan.com, and here is today's feature where I tell you how NC State has been winning games with its defense.

WRALSportsFan.com: Defense Key To NC State's Recent Win Streak

Everyone who follows NC State basketball knows Kevin Keatts wants to apply pressure. He mentioned it frequently in his opening press conference in 2017 and has looked to do so each night out since arriving in Raleigh.

The thought process is simple: apply pressure, create extra shot opportunities, force turnovers, fatigue opponents, and use that fatigue to win the 3-point battle.

While NC State has been able to do that under Keatts, that hasn't always yielded high-level defensive outings. Games have been high-scoring and opponents have shot a high percentage in the paint with State over-playing on the perimeter. Also, that pressure has often ended with opponents shooting a high number of free throws, which has boosted point totals and increased their chances at winning.

However, Keatts hasn't backed off. He values pressure and truly believes his defensive system can yield high-level defensive results as well as impact the Wolfpack's offense by creating fast break opportunities.

The big problem this year for NC State has been a lack of depth. The team started the year playing without Markell Johnson and DJ Funderburk. Reserve center Danny Dixon was banged up, and newcomer A.J. Taylor was sidelined with a knee injury. Quickly the numbers dropped and the Pack had to rely on an eight-man rotation most nights. Click the link to read the rest of the story: LINK