Gameday Preview: NC State at Virginia Tech – Weds Jan 15th 2025

The NC State Wolfpack (9-7, 2-3 ACC) travels to the Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies (7-9, 2-3 ACC) Wednesday night. The Wolfpack have lost 3 of the last 4 contests with their only win coming in a one point victory of lowly Notre Dame. 

The Wolfpack are coming off a gut wrenching loss in the final seconds to rival UNC over the weekend. The Wolfpack were led by guard Marcus Hill who scored 20 points against the Tar Heels. Forward Ben Middlebrooks hauled in 14 boards. The Wolfpack played the majority of the game from behind until finally tying the game in the final seconds. The Tar Heels big man, Jalen Washington, got the go ahead slam with 24 ticks left then got the game saving block as time expired to down the Wolfpack. 

The Virginia Tech Hokies are coming off a 71-68 win on the road in Berkley, California over the California Golden Bears. The Hokies jumped out to an impressive 42-23 halftime lead. The Bears mounted a comeback in the second half eventually tying the game up at 58. The Hokies then regained the lead and did not relinquish it. The Hokies were led by Mylyjael Poteat and Brandon Rechsteiner with 12 points. Guard Tyler Johnson scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Key Points:

NC State

• Early ACC season must win for the pack. Right now they are in the purgatory of the ACC standings, tied with 3 teams, including Tech, towards the bottom of the standings. The Pack need a win to get their season on track.
• Ben Middlebrooks is scoring at the highest clip of his college career at 9.1 points per game. He will be matched up against Tech’s leading scorer and rebounder Tobi Lawal (12 and 6 respectively). If Middlebrooks can win this individual matchup, the Pack can leave Blacksburg with a W.
• Louisville transfer Brandon Huntley-Hatfield is returning to the lineup after missing the UNC game due to a shoulder injury against Notre Dame. Huntley-Hatfield is averaging 10 points and 6 boards on 50% shooting on the road this season. 10 additional points will be a welcomed addition for the Pack. 

Virginia Tech

• Take advantage of home court. The Pack have only played 3 “true” road games (@Kansas, @UVA, @Wake) and have lost all 3. The ACC is  a hard place to win on the road, keep the Pack winless.
• Get hot and stay hot. The Hokies shot close to 61% from the field in the first half against Cal before taking their foot off the gas in the second half. If the Hokies can stay consistent they can shoot out the Pack from Cassell.
• Find consistency. The Hokies have been streaky all season. Winning streaks followed by losing streaks. The Hokies have alternated wins and losses the past 4 games. The Hokies need to find a middle ground to get out of the ACC cellar.

This game should be incredibly close. KenPom predicts a Wolfpack victory by a slim 67-66 margin. Look for a highly contested matchup between two teams looking to turn their seasons around.