The NC State Wolfpack return to PNC Arena Saturday looking to repeat their most recent success over the Duke Blue Devils in an ACC showdown. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 pm and can be seen on ESPN.
The Wolfpack have won five of their last seven matchups against the Blue Devils at home, including a 22 point victory last February, 88-66, with the help of career days from departed Markell Johnson and injured Devon Daniels.
In their most recent outing, NC State (8-8 overall, 4-7 ACC) fell at home Tuesday evening 77-68 to Syracuse for the second time in a 10 day span. Guard Thomas Allen produced a season high 17 points connecting on four three pointers. DJ Funderburk followed with 14. On the season, Cole Hellems now leads the Wolfpack in scoring at 13 ppg along with 5.4 rebounds. Funderburk follows with 12 ppg and also 5 rebounds. Manny Bates leads in rebounds at just over 6 rebounds while adding 9.8 ppg.
Duke (7-8 overall, 5-6 ACC) makes the short trip to Raleigh after dropping their third straight contest Tuesday afternoon 93-89 to Notre Dame at home. Matthew Hurt leads the Blue Devils on offense in points at 17 ppg and rebounds with 6.9 per outing. The freshman tandem of DJ Steward and Jalen Johnson follow with 13 and 11 points respectively.
Both teams enter the game averaging 46% shooting from the floor with Duke holding the slight edge in total points per contest 76-74 and total rebounds at 36-32.
Keys To Victory
NC State: Win the battle inside. Force turnovers. Contributions from guards on offense.
Duke: Limit turnovers against press defense. Keep Matthew Hurt on the floor. Close out game with lead.