Game Preview: Pack Looking for a Deacon Sweep

NC STATE WOLFPACK vs. WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS

Game Time: 8pm
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Television: Raycom (ESPN 360)

A few weeks ago, when the Pack was sitting at a dismal 1-4 in conference play, if we would've told you that there was a serious chance that we could be playing into March, you'd of thought we were crazy. Well tonight State takes on Wake with a lot on the line. NC State has that chance to play in March and, with a hot streak here at the end of the season, they just might make good on that.

This week in practice the Pack has been hard at work, knowing good and well that Wake is going to, with their backs against the wall, apply some serious pressure on the ball. How can you replicate that type of intensity and athleticism in practice? Just leave that up to Sidney. Coach Lowe had the team running press breakers and offensive sets against a six man defense to try to duplicate the pressure Wake will be applying. The team responded well and feel ready to take on the Deacons and whatever they have to throw at them.

The Wolfpack have many reasons to feel good about themselves as they travel to Joel Coliseum. For one, the young guys are starting to step up. CJ Williams, Tracy Smith, and Javi Gonzalez have each led the team in scoring in one of the past three games. With Costner, McCauley, and Fells all hitting a relatively dry spell over the past few games, it's been the underclassman picking up their slack. Another reason is the play off the bench. Dennis Horner and CJ Williams have been major sparks off the bench as of late, providing scoring, defense, and intensity. And lastly, the play as of late. This Wolfpack team is coming off a good win against Virginia, a hard fought game against UNC, a beat down of the Yellow Jackets, and a gigantic win over the same Demon Deacons they face tonight.

So what are the keys to tonight's game? Focus and execution. The word is out on Wake Forest. They're beatable and there are plenty of examples showing just how to beat them. This Wake team likes to get out and run, but a packed in zone and ownage of the boards definitely handicaps Wake and forces them into an uncomfortable looking half court offense that they simply haven't been successful in all season. This State team knows they can beat Wake Forest, and they will have to if they want to end the season ensured of a spot in the coveted NCAA Tournament.