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2021 NIT: North Carolina State vs Colorado State Preview, TV Schedule, Livestream, and More
The Rams face the Wolfpack in the NIT Quarterfinals
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Can the young Rams pull of the upset?
WHO: No. 3 NC State Wolfpack (14-10, 9-8 ACC) vs. No. 1 Colorado State Rams (19-6, 14-4 Mountain West)
WHEN: Thursday, March 25th 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT
WHERE: Comerica Center, Frisco, TX
TV/Stream: This matchup can be seen on ESPN and streamed on WatchESPN.
LISTEN: Colorado State | NC State
SERIES RECORD: This will be the first ever matchup between these two schools.
ODDS via BETMGM: NC State -1.5
The Colorado State Rams face the NC State Wolfpack in a quarterfinal matchup of the National Invitation Tournament. The Rams are coming off a last second victory over the Buffalo Bulls. While the Wolfpack are coming off of a comfortable win over the Davidson Wildcats.
This is going to be another interesting matchup for the Rams. This is an NC State team that has length, plays good defense, and forces a lot of turnovers. The Rams have struggled this year against teams like this, so it will be interesting to see how they respond.
https://twitter.com/CSUMBasketball/status/1374755355800969225
Colorado State will be looking to continue their momentum from Isaiah Stevens last second layup victory over Buffalo. Head Coach Niko Medved put his faith in the sophomore by not calling a timeout and letting Stevens do what he does best to win the game.
David Roddy leads the way for the Rams with 16.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Isaiah Stevens (15 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists) and Kendle Moore (10.59 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) are the other Rams in double figures. Adam Thistlewood, John Tonje, and P.J. Byrd are the x-factors for the Rams.
NC State is running short at the end of the year. Leading scorer Devon Daniels was lost for the year back in January due to a torn ACL and 6th man Thomas Allen went out with an ankle injury. With two starters 6’10” and taller, NC State will look to use their to their advantage against the smaller Rams squad.
Jericole Hellems is the leading scorer for the Wolfpack after the loss of Daniels, averaging 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. DJ Funderburk (12.6 points and 5.5 rebounds) is the only other player in double figures for the Wolfpack. One other impact player for NC State is Manny Bates. Bates (9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks) was an ACC All-Defensive Team member after leading the ACC in blocks.
Complete coin flip. That’s how this game is going to be. No one can call it at the moment. Sportsbooks have it at less than a two point spread. Hell, even Kenpom only has the Wolfpack winning by one. This is going to be a test for both squads and whomever commits fewer mental mistakes will be the one to come out on top.
Prediction: Colorado State 76, NC State 73
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