There’s nothing like an intense college basketball rivalry game, especially on Tobacco Road. When NC State men’s basketball hosts North Carolina for the 171st meeting between the Pack and the Tar Heels, there’s sure to be fireworks.
The Tar Heels often get the best of NC State, especially in recent years, but in one of the bigger games between the two, the Wolfpack stunned Carolina in the 2024 ACC Championship. The 84-76 win for NC State secured bragging rights over the rest of the conference and an ACC championship banner, likely remaining fresh in the minds of fans, coaches and players. Can NC State pull off another upset or will the Tar Heels get revenge?
This season’s Tar Heel squad is much different from last year’s national title contender. Far from a lock to make the NCAA Tournament, Carolina is struggling to find consistency. For North Carolina to keep its tournament hopes strong, this game is a must win for the Tar Heels. While NC State may not be the most formidable opponent this year, the game is certainly winnable for the Pack.
Last season’s bus driver for the Tar Heels was guard RJ Davis. The 2024 ACC Player of the Year proved to be an offensive nightmare for opponents on a nightly basis. However, Davis’ production has dropped significantly this year, with his 3-point shooting falling to a career low 28% — over 10% less than last year’s mark. The last time the Tar Heels came to Raleigh, Davis nailed four triples to push Carolina over the top and will likely need to do the same in this one. Slowing down Davis will be a top priority for the Wolfpack.
North Carolina’s other star, Ian Jackson, may prove to be the biggest problem for the Wolfpack. The dynamic freshman is a walking bucket, shooting over 50% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc. In his last five games, Jackson has scored at least 23 points in all but one game, as he’s become a focal point of the Carolina offense. Restricting Jackson will be crucial for NC State to have a shot at the win.
If there’s an opportunity for the Pack to take advantage of, it’s the frontcourt. North Carolina’s starting center, Jalen Washington, appears to be the weak link in the Tar Heels starting lineup — and NC State is equipped to take advantage. Washington poses little offensive threat and averages just 1.1 blocks and 4.8 rebounds per game. Much less imposing than former Carolina center Armando Bacot, for the first time in years the Wolfpack may have the advantage in the paint. Senior forward Ben Middlebrooks, one of the stars of last season’s March Madness run, has the size and talent to take advantage of the matchup and will be a key player on both sides of the court.
While North Carolina is far from an elite team, the Pack will have to still play its best to win. Offense has bugged the red-and-white all season, so finding the hot hand will be crucial. Senior guard Dontrez Styles — a former Tar Heel himself — and senior guard Marcus Hill led the Pack’s offense in its best win of the season against Florida State. The duo will likely need to play its best against North Carolina, with Styles spreading the floor with his shooting and Hill attacking the rim for paint shots and opportunities to be fouled. Finally, the Wolfpack must get senior guard Breon Pass involved off the bench. Shooting 53.3% from deep, Pass is by far the best shooter for the Pack this season and will need to hit some 3s to keep the Pack’s offense moving.
The Wolfpack and the Tar Heels will meet at the Lenovo Center this Saturday. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be televised on ACC Network.
