Wake Forest Aims for Season Sweep Against Struggling NC State

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake Forest men’s basketball will attempt to sweep the regular season series against NC State when the teams clash Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lenovo Center. The game, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, is crucial for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the ACC.

Wake Forest enters the contest following a 77-66 victory over SMU last Saturday, strengthening their position in the conference standings. The Demon Deacons are currently fourth in the ACC, holding an 11-4 record in league play and a 19-7 overall mark. Sophomore guard was pivotal in the win, scoring a season-high 18 points, while senior guard contributed 20 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, NC State, reeling from a recent 97-73 defeat against rival North Carolina, will look to shake off the disappointment in their final home game of the weekend. The Wolfpack currently holds a 3-12 record in the ACC and a 10-16 overall record, battling to stay relevant as they aim for a spot in the conference tournament.

The first matchup this season, played on January 4, ended in favor of Wake Forest, with the Deacs winning 77-59. Wake Forest’s success was fueled by a robust defense that limited NC State to poor shooting percentages. Head coach has noted that continuity in their defensive strategy has been vital to their success this season.

“Our defense has been a key component of our game plan,” said . “We need to keep our focus and intensity, especially against a team like NC State that can score quickly.”

In their last outing, NC State was forced to contend with ball movement and defensive pressure, as their 36 turnover rate forced them into difficult shots. The Wolfpack had been averaging low turnovers in recent games, but sloppy play against North Carolina compounded their offensive struggles. This afternoon, NC State must capitalize on fastbreak opportunities, where they currently lead the ACC with an impressive 14.12 fastbreak points per game.

Leading the charge for the Wolfpack is senior guard Marcus Hill, averaging 12.2 points per game, who will be pivotal in finding scoring opportunities against Wake Forest’s organized defense. Hill’s ability to distribute the ball effectively will be crucial as aggressiveness is expected from the Deacs.

As the teams prepare for their fourth Big Four showdown, the stakes are high for NC State. They are looking to bounce back and find rhythm, particularly at home where they boast a 10-6 record this season. However, with six of Wake Forest’s 11 ACC victories earned on the road, the Demon Deacons have proven their tenacity away from home.

Saturday’s matchup not only represents a chance for Wake Forest to consolidate its position in the ACC but also for NC State to salvage their season ahead of the conference tournament. As the tension builds, both teams will be eager to come away with a much-needed victory.

The game is set to tip-off at 2 p.m. ET with coverage available on ESPN2 and the Wolfpack Sports Network.