Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Kentucky rises, Wisconsin falls

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Tyler Herro #14 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Tyler Herro #14 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic at the United Center on December 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack talks. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack talks. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

22. NC State Wolfpack

Record: 12-1 (0-0 ACC)

Last Week: No. 22

After playing one of the easiest schedules in the nation during the first few weeks of the season, NC State stepped up its level of competition during this past month. Sure, their non-conference SOS is still ranked at 350th in the nation by KenPom but they did take on Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Penn State, and Auburn all within the past 35 days. They went 3-1 in these higher-quality games and they currently stand at 12-1 in the nation.

With conference play approaching, the level of competition is about to take another serious leap for the Wolfpack. Thankfully, though, this team has four distinct advantages over most teams in the country. For starters, they play at a ridiculous pace. While averaging 75.8 possessions per game (11th nationally), this is a team that can get out and run, wearing opponents down over the course of 40 minutes. This pace is dictated by the fact that NC State does an incredible job forcing opponents into turnovers (25.7% opponent turnover rate – 3rd nationally).

On the offense end of the floor, NC State is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the nation. At 41.4% from distance, the Wolfpack rank seventh in the nation in 3P%. Furthermore, their offensive rebounding rate (38.5%) is also seventh nationally as they consistently track down boards and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.