Fresh off their first road win of the season last Saturday at Boston College, the NC State Wolfpack return to PNC Arena to face the Syracuse Orange for the second time this season. Tipoff is slated for 6:30 pm on the ACC Network.
The Wolfpack and Orange battled just eight days ago with Syracuse prevailing 76-73.
Both teams continue to mirror each other statistically with Syracuse just edging NC State in points per game at 76.7 to 75.2 and also points allowed at 70 even. The Wolfpack holds the edge in field goal percentage at 46 to 43 while the Orange holds the slim margin in rebounds at 36-33.
NC State, (8-7 overall, 4-6 ACC) entered that game shorthanded as senior DJ Funderburk missed the contest due to university policy, but has returned for the Wolfpack last two contests. Funderburk is averaging 11.8 ppg and 5 rebounds per game and has been beneficial in all of the Wolfpack’s victories. Cole Hellems has stepped up in place of injured Devon Daniels averaging just over 13 points per outing along with 5.5 rebounds. Manny Bates continues to trend towards double-figure scoring at 9.9 ppg along 6.1 rebounds and an ACC leading 2.9 blocks per game.
Syracuse (10-6 overall, 4-5 ACC) will look to correct things after a blowout loss to Clemson Saturday 78-61 in Clemson. The Orange fell behind early and trailed by 20 at halftime before outsourcing the Tigers in the last stanza. Quincy Guerrier and Alan Griffin pace the Orange offense at 15 ppg followed by Buddy Boeheim at 14 ppg. Guerrier also leads in rebounds collecting 9.3 per contest.
Keys To Victory
NC State: Penetrate the Syracuse 2-3 zone. Get scoring from the backcourt. Develop consistency.
Syracuse: Win the rebound battle. Force NC State into long outside shots. Limit turnovers.