North Carolina (23-4, 10-2) at N.C. State (18-9, 7-50
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Raleigh, RBC Center (19,700)
Fast break:
This might be one of the more wild atmospheres ever for a UNC at State
game. State officials are raising the bar by honoring the 1989 team (a
23-year anniversary, that’s a first) for its Wolfpack spirit, etc,
something that was decided Sunday. Too bad the focus along Tobacco Road
isn’t on State’s recent struggles and how crucial this game is to its
NCAA chances. Too much discussion still regards Tom Gugliotta and Chris
Corchinani – former Wolfpack greats – being kicked out of the arena last
Saturday by referee Karl Hess. As far as hoops goes, the Pack could be
wound really tight after blowing a 20-point lead at Duke and getting
rolled at home by FSU. UNC presents much more difficult matchups and is
playing very well. State has a chance if it gets off to a good start and
gets its fanatical crowd behind it. Otherwise, Mark Gottfried’s team
could wilt quickly if the Tar Heels start out hot, which hasn’t been the
norm for them.
Forecast: UNC, 77-67.
For a preview of the rest of the ACC basketball games, click here.
