KenPom has these teams very close in its overall rankings, but obviously the Wolfpack played the much tougher schedule in the ACC, and the two Mountain West schools (Colorado State's conference) in the NCAA Tournament flamed out in Round 1. NC State has been playing great defense (other than one game) in winning six of seven. The team wants to be here with a few seniors telling coach Kevin Keatts to accept the NIT invite.


The Rams have dropped two of four and barely got by Buffalo in Round 1. The Wolfpack’s defense has been outstanding recently, limiting their opponent to 62 or fewer points in four out of their last six games.

NC State holds the edge on defense and rebounding and I really like their chances here Thursday night.