NC State Basketball: 3 keys to victory for the Wolfpack against Pittsburgh

NC State Basketball: 3 keys to victory for the Wolfpack vs. Pittsburgh

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Markell Johnson #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack walks across the court in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

2. Ride the wave of Braxton Beverly

Braxton Beverly has never been one to shy away from the moment. When the Wolfpack need offense, he’s typically delivered from behind the arc this season. He’s shooting 42.1 percent from behind the arc and averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers through 14 appearances in 2018-19.

Beverly was the biggest spark for the Wolfpack off the bench on Tuesday night, putting up a season-high 21 points on 5-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. He’s one guy that Pittsburgh won’t want to leave open in this game or he’ll make them pay.

On the season, Beverly is averaging 9.4 points, 2.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game through 25.2 minutes of action per contest. He’s already put up double figures in scoring in seven contests including his last three appearances.

In a guard-heavy game, Beverly is a player likely to see a lot of minutes in this one. He’ll need to be ready to play but his teammates will need to be prepared to find him in the open court, as he’s proven to be a deadly weapon when given the opportunity.

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