Busting Brackets
Fansided

NC State Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolfpack against Penn State

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Markell Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack talks with head coach Kevin Keatts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Markell Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack talks with head coach Kevin Keatts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
1 of 4
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

NC State Basketball has just one loss this season and look to prevent another on Saturday. Here’s a look at three keys to victory.

The NC State Wolfpack are 8-1 this season with a close loss already to one Big Ten squad. As ACC play approaches for the Wolfpack, the Nittany Lions should prove to be a solid opponent. As it stands, the Penn State Nittany Lions are already 0-2 in conference play.

With a record of 5-4, NC State holds a bit of an edge over Penn State. The Wolfpack are led on offense by a trio of Torin Dorn, C.J. Bryce and Markell Johnson. Each is averaging over 12 points per contest and as a result, they have the team headed in the right direction. Dorn is averaging 16.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game this season. Bryce is scoring 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest so far. Johnson has recorded 12.2 points and 4.4 assists per game through nine appearances.

In his second season, head coach Kevin Keatts looks to have this team on the rise with a brand of basketball built with a high-powered offense and gritty defense. They fell short against the Wisconsin Badgers, 79-75, back in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 27 so here lies a revenge game for them of sorts.

The NC State Wolfpack could run away with this game, but they’ll need to play to their strengths. Here’s a look at three keys to victory for the Wolfpack against Penn State.