Breaking down NC State’s path in the ACC Tournament

By Noah Fleischman

NC State dropped six of its last seven games in the regular season. Now, it’s turning the page to prepare for the ACC Tournament, which will begin its quest in getting back in the win column on Wednesday afternoon, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. 

But before the Wolfpack looks to make the final boost to its NCAA Tournament résumé in the league tournament, here’s what lies in Will Wade and Co.’s way to begin the postseason this week.

Second Round: March 11

NC State opponent
No. 15 seed Pitt

Regular season result vs. Pitt
Wolfpack 81, Panthers 72 on Jan. 24 in Pittsburgh

The outlook for NC State
The Wolfpack notched an 81-72 victory over the Panthers at Pittsburgh Jan. 24. NC State fell behind by as many as nine points in the opening five minutes after a slow offensive start before rallying. A much more physical Pitt squad bullied NC State on the glass, but the Pack ultimately used a 15-2 run midway through the second half to pull away for the win. Finding a way to earn this critical win would help the Wolfpack’s NCAA Tournament hopes, nearly solidifying its at-large bid without having to play its way into the field in Dayton, Ohio. This is a key matchup that NC State should treat as if it’s an NCAA Tournament game in itself.

Quarterfinals: March 12

Possible NC State opponent
No. 2 seed Virginia

Regular season results against Virginia
Cavaliers 76, Wolfpack 61 on Jan. 3 in Raleigh
Cavaliers 90, Wolfpack 61 on Feb. 24 in Charlottesville, Va.

The outlook for NC State
It was the worst-case scenario in what team NC State could get if it were to win its first game in the tournament. The Wolfpack would have matched up well with Miami, a team it nearly beat before blowing a seven-point lead in the final minute, had the program earned the No. 6 seed. Instead, it drew Virginia, which has thrashed the Wolfpack both times they played this season. This might be the end of the Pack’s stay in Charlotte, N.C. Neither game these two programs have played this year has been competitive. Both have been blowout losses, including the latter that left Wade saying the Pack would lose this game nearly 10 times out of 10. It’s March, so crazy things happen, but it will take a near miracle to knock off the tall and physical Cavaliers squad.

Semifinals: March 13

Possible NC State opponents
No. 3 seed Miami
No. 6 seed Louisville
No. 11 seed SMU

Regular season results against possible NC State opponents 
Hurricanes 77, Wolfpack 76 on Feb. 14 in Raleigh
Cardinals 118, Wolfpack 77 on Feb. 9 in Louisville, Ky.
Wolfpack 84, Mustangs 83 on Feb. 3 in Dallas

The outlook for NC State
If NC State beats Virginia to get to this point, it would have a chance to knock off any of these three possible teams it could play. It’s that simple. A hot Wolfpack squad would be dangerous in the ACC Tournament, but it will require a complete 180-degree turn from what the team has demonstrated over the last two weeks. Anything is possible this time of the year, though it’s unlikely.

Championship: March 14

Possible NC State opponents
No. 1 seed Duke
No. 4 seed UNC
No. 5 seed Clemson
No. 8 seed Florida State
No. 9 seed Cal
No. 13 seed Wake Forest

Regular season results against possible NC State opponents 
Blue Devils 93, Wolfpack 64 on March 2 in Raleigh
Wolfpack 82, Tar Heels 58 on Feb. 17 in Raleigh
Wolfpack 80, Tigers 76 (OT) on Jan. 20 in Clemson, S.C.
Wolfpack 113, Seminoles 69 on Jan. 10 in Tallahassee, Fla.
Wolfpack 70, Demon Deacons 57 on Dec. 31 in Raleigh
Wolfpack 96, Demon Deacons 78 on Jan. 31 in Winston-Salem, N.C.