NC State Faces Crucial Matchup Against Boston College Saturday

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC State men’s basketball team is set to host Boston College on Saturday, February 15, at the Lenovo Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the ACC Network.

This matchup follows a tough loss for NC State, who fell to Louisville 91-66 on Wednesday. The defeat was marked by the Pack’s struggle on defense; they allowed a season-high 91 points, while Louisville achieved its highest field goal percentage of the season at 63.6%.

Leading the way for NC State in the loss was sophomore guard Terquavion Smith, who scored 13 points, marking the second consecutive game he topped the scoring list for the Wolfpack. Over the last five games, Smith has scored a total of 62 points, averaging 12.4 points per game. “I’m just trying to be aggressive and make the most of my minutes,” said Smith.

Freshman guard Jarkel Joiner also contributed significantly, reaching double figures for the first time in his career with 12 points against Louisville. Joiner connected on 5-of-7 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.

NC State’s bench delivered an impressive performance with 41 total points in the loss, showcasing a deep roster. The team has averaged 21.3 bench points per game this season—the highest since the 2018-19 season.

The last time NC State faced Boston College, they emerged victorious with a score of 81-70. In that game, DJ Burns led the Pack with 19 points. The Wolfpack currently leads the all-time series against the Eagles 18-13 and has won five of the last six matchups.

On Saturday, NC State will wear their adidas ‘Honoring Black Excellence’ uniforms, an initiative recognizing the accomplishments of Black individuals and culture. This unique uniform will add an extra layer of significance to the game.

NC State has shown capability in forcing turnovers, a key factor in their nine wins this season where they averaged 19.3 points off opponent turnovers. They have forced 15 or more turnovers in 27 of the last 33 games dating back to the 2022-23 season, giving the Wolfpack confidence heading into this crucial contest.

Coach Kevin Keatts is aware of the challenges that lie ahead in finishing close games. “We’ve been in some tight spots this season, and it’s about making the right decisions down the stretch,” he stated. NC State’s ability to close out games will be vital as they attempt to improve their standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

As the competition heats up in the ACC, Saturday’s game against Boston College could prove pivotal for NC State’s season trajectory. With the game scheduled to air at 2 p.m. on the ACC Network, fans are eager to see if the Wolfpack can bounce back from their recent defeat.