NC State has been playing well but continue to be a streaky offensive team. The Wolfpack will want to use the pick-and-roll but may struggle against the Orange 2-3 defense. Syracuse matches up very well with the Wolfpack, especially down-low. NC State is shooting 48.1 percent from the floor as compared to Syracuse’s 58.6 percent. The Orange need to guard the perimeter and make it difficult for the Wolfpack to knock down their threes. NC State also has UNC on deck. I’m on Syracuse.

The Orange are 8-6 in ACC play, but all of those wins have come against teams below them in the standings. Syracuse's best win came versus Virginia Tech, No. 57 in the NET rankings, and the Orange also lost to the Hokies. NC State has won five of six after notching its 20th victory Saturday at Boston College. The Wolfpack have multiple shooters who can bust Syracuse's 2-3 zone. Play the road dog.

We have fast teams in the ACC and slow teams in the ACC, and when these faster teams get together they run. Syracuse is in the run-it group with Wake Forest, Pitt and NC State as opposed to the slowdown squads such as Virginia. Syracuse shoots 49.1% at home versus 44.3% on the road or at neutral sites. NC State averages 78.9 points per game. Over is the play.