NC State Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolfpack against Duke

NC State Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Wolfpack at Duke

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 06: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski (L) of the Duke Blue Devils congratulates head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack following their game at PNC Arena on January 6, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State won 96-85. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Photo by Lance King/Getty Images /

1. Keep the streak alive

Believe it or not, the Wolfpack have beaten the Blue Devils in their last two meetings, including a 96-85 victory at home back on Jan. 6, 2018. In that one, NC State overcame 31 points from Marvin Bagley III to get the win. This season, they’ll have a greater task in defeating Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish and the ball is in their court to deliver.

The Wolfpack have already played some close games in conference play this season. They played the Virginia Cavaliers close, falling 66-65 in overtime, on Jan. 29. Then they turned right around and lost on Saturday afternoon, 47-24, at home to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

This Saturday’s game is a road game in a very hostile environment. A win would vastly improve their NCAA Tournament resume. Currently, they are 1-6 against teams ranked in the AP Poll, 0-5 against teams ranked in the ACC.

Head coach Kevin Keatts seems to have the formula for beating the Blue Devils as he’s 2-0 so far and they’ll need it to keep the streak alive.

Home/NC State Wolfpack