The NC State Wolfpack return to PNC Arena looking to end their 2021 winless streak as they face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Wednesday evening. Tipoff is slated for 8 pm and can be seen on the ACC Network.
NC State enters the contest 6-5 overall and 2-4 in the ACC while dropping their last four contest. The Wolfpack resumed play following a 9 day Covid break Saturday falling to rival UNC 86-76 Saturday afternoon. NC State’s last victory came on 12/30 as they slipped past Boston College 79-76.
Senior Devin Daniels leads the Wolfpack in scoring at 16.2 ppg. Fellow senior DJ Funderburk follows at 12.4 ppg while Cole Hellems rounds out the double-figure scorers at 11.3 ppg while adding just over five rebounds per outing.
Forward Manny Bates mans the paint for the Pack averaging 9.5 ppg and 5.7 rebounds per game while protecting the rim with 3.4 blocks. Bates collected seven blocks last Saturday against UNC returning from an ankle injury he suffered against Miami on January 9. NC State as a team averages 76.8 ppg.
The Demon Deacons head to Raleigh after picking up their first ACC victory over Pitt over the weekend 76-75 to improve to 4-6 overall and 1-6 in the ACC. The win ended a four-game losing skid for Wake Forest who have shown improvement in year one of the Steve Forbes era.
The Demon Deacons average just over 70 ppg which is near the bottom of the conference. Winston-Salem native Daivien Williamson leads the Deacons in scoring at 12.7 ppg. Isaiah Mucius has also been a bright spot on offense adding 10.9 ppg along with 5.2 rebounds per game. Mucius tallied a season-high 27 points versus UNC on January 20.
Keys To Victory
NC State: Dominate the post with Bates and Funderburk. Better shot selection. Force turnovers that lead to easy offense
Wake Forest: Win the backcourt battle. Restrict turnovers. Knock down open shots that will be available.
