South Carolina Upstate Spartans vs. NC State Wolfpack Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 4th 2024

Stadium: PNC Arena Raleigh
Logo South Carolina Upstate Spartans
VS
Logo NC State Wolfpack
146
OPENER
-25

148o -110
CURRENT
-23 -115

+1100
MONEYLINE
-3500

66
SCORE
97

Preview and Prediction

After an unexpected journey to the Final Four, North Carolina State is gearing up for their first game of the season against South Carolina Upstate. Despite losing four of their top five scorers, head coach Kevin Keatts remains optimistic about the Wolfpack's chances with a revamped lineup.

Despite the changes, Keatts believes that the team is still strong and has depth at every position. However, he acknowledges that they will need to work on developing chemistry and improving as a team. Keatts is excited about the new additions to the team and believes they will bring a lot of scoring power.

The Wolfpack's backcourt has been bolstered by the addition of Marcus Hill, who averaged 20.5 points per game at Bowling Green last season, and Dontrez Styles, who joins the team from Georgetown. The team has also gained two of Louisville's top scorers and rebounders, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Mike James.

Returning starters for the Wolfpack include Jayden Taylor and Michael O'Connell, who was the top playmaker during last year's ACC tournament title run. Key reserves Ben Middlebrooks and Dennis Parker Jr. are also back for another season.

On the other hand, USC Upstate is facing more changes as they have a new coach, Marty Richter, and a mostly new roster. Only one player from last year's team remains, making this a rebuilding year for the Spartans. Richter, who previously coached at JUCO Florida Southwestern, is familiar with this type of situation and is confident in his ability to lead the team.

The Spartans' roster includes five freshmen and three JUCO transfers, with only four players having previous Division I experience. Kanye Jones, who averaged 8.0 points per game last season at Buffalo, is the most experienced player on the team. Chico Johnson, a redshirt from Drake, also joins the team this season.

Despite the challenges, Richter is excited about the potential of this new team and is looking forward to seeing them grow and develop throughout the season.

PREDICTION
South Carolina Upstate Spartans
61
84
NC State Wolfpack

South Carolina Upstate Spartans vs. NC State Wolfpack Recap NOV 4TH 2024

In his North Carolina State debut, Marcus Hill scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half to help the Wolfpack to a 97-66 victory over USC Upstate, Monday in the opener for both teams in Raleigh, N.C.

Breon Pass also scored 14 points and Louisville transfer Brandon Hunley-Hatfield added 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting for the Wolfpack, who opened the evening by unveiling a Final Four banner, celebrating the team's surprise run last year in the NCAA Tournament.

Ben Middlebrooks added 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks while Michael O'Connell contributed nine points and six assists as balanced NC State spoiled the debut of USC Upstate coach Marty Richter.

Freshman Mister Dean scored 14 points in his college debut and Karmani Gregory added 13 points to pace the Spartans.

NC State used its depth, employing 11 players for double-digit minutes, to wear down USC Upstate. The Wolfpack's up-tempo attack produced 55.9 percent shooting from the floor, compared to 33.3 percent for the Spartans.

NC State outscored USC Upstate in transition 36-7 and 27-4 off turnovers. The Wolfpack also ruled the boards 44-37 and outscored USC Upstate in the paint 54-34.

Georgetown transfer Dontrez Styles scored all nine of his points in the first eight minutes to steady the Wolfpack early.

O'Connor made back-to-back 3-pointers during a 15-0 run midway through the first half which put NC State in command.

Freshman Trey Parker also had a 3-pointer during the spree and Huntley-Hatfield added a tip-in and a fast-break slam which capped the run and gave the Wolfpack a 31-14 lead.

Gregory scored nine points in the final 3:20 of the half to keep NC State from running away. His buzzer-beating 3-pointer cut the Wolfpack lead to 50-35 at the break.

Early in the second half, Hill, a transfer from Bowling Green, scored two baskets during a 10-0 run which put the Wolfpack up 64-41 with 15:28 left. From there, the Spartans did not make a serious run at the lead, never whittling the deficit to less than 19 points.