The NC State Wolfpack returns to ACC action looking to end a two-game losing skid as they take on the Florida State Seminoles Wednesday evening in Tallahassee, FL.
Tipoff is slated for 6:30 pm and can be seen on the ACC Network.
Both teams enter the contest dropping their most recent outing. FSU fell to Clemson on December 29 while NC State had a disappointing home loss against a depleted Miami Hurricanes squad on January 9.
The stats from both teams almost mirror each other with NC State averaging 77.3 ppg and FSU tallying 75.0 ppg. The Wolfpack are shooting 47.3% from the floor with the Seminoles following at 43.3%. The Seminoles edge the Wolfpack in the rebound department averaging 37.3 per game with NC State collecting 34.7 per game. Both teams average 13 assists per outing along with four blocks.
The Wolfpack continue to lean on Devon Daniels on offense as he leads the Wolfpack in scoring with 15.9 ppg. Manny Bates mans the paint for NC State adding 9.4 ppg along with 5.4 rebounds. Bates is currently in the top five in FG % in the ACC while also averaging three blocks per game. NC State will need a big game from DJ Funderburk, who is now coming off the bench averaging 13 points per contest giving the Wolfpack a much-needed spark.
Florida State is led on offense by M.J. Walker who tallies 15.3 ppg. Super freshman Scottie Barnes follows at 11.1 ppg while also chipping in four assists leading the Seminoles in that area. Anthony Polite rounds out a trio of double-digit scoring Seminoles adding 10 ppg.
What To Watch For:
- Defense: Both teams rely on tough defense as a part of their game plan. Will NC State be able to force the Seminoles into turnovers for easy baskets?
- Turnovers: NC State has averaged close to 20 turnovers in their last two outings which have both been losses. Facing a tough defense, costly turnovers will send the Wolfpack to their third straight loss erasing a perfect 2-0 start in ACC play.
- Scottie Barnes matchup: Barnes is listed as a 6-9 guard who handles the ball on most occasions for the Seminoles. Who will guard Barnes for the Wolfpack? Cam Hayes (6-3) and Devon Daniels (6-5) will both have tough assignments if paired with Barnes, especially if he decides to go inside the post. Also, look for Jericole Hellems to get a shot at defending Barnes.