No. 6 TEXAS TECH vs. No. 11 NC STATE
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS: The Red Raiders are difficult to beat, and coach Grant McCasland has done a great job in Lubbock. Texas Tech is not as good or as tough defensively as it was in the past, but it is a better offensive team. Rebounding and keeping opponents from second shots have been issues, but this balanced group is capable. Five guys average double figures, with a sixth averaging 9.9 points per game. The engine of the team is Pop Isaacs, a dynamic guard who leads Texas Tech in scoring and 3-point field goals made. Isaacs is not an efficient shooter, but streaky, and can get hot and carry the Red Raiders. And this team can really make free throws, which is important in close games.
X factor: Darrion Williams. The transfer from Nevada is a 6-6 wing who leads Texas Tech in rebounding and offensive rebounding, while ranking third in scoring and second in steals. He had 30 points against Kansas and has been on a heater since early February.
Upset potential: Medium. Texas Tech didn't play a crazy difficult nonconference slate but has shown that it can beat almost anybody. The margins have been slim in Big 12 play, so the Red Raiders can knock somebody out or get knocked out by a quality lower seed.
NC STATE WOLFPACK: The ACC champion just won five games in five days, after losing four straight coming into the ACC tournament. It was likely the most improbable, incredible run in a conference tournament ever. The question is, will NC State have anything left in the tank for the NCAA tournament after the physical and emotional energy expended? NC State is unique because it has DJ Burns Jr., a former Tennessee and Winthrop big guy who has the build of an offensive lineman and the feet of a ballerina. The big lefty catches the ball off the lane and backs you down in the post. If you double him, he passes out for open 3s. If you single cover, he will ride you to the bucket. DJ Horne is the primary scorer and 3-point shooter, but will he get any help? Casey Morsell may be compromised with injury, Jayden Taylor has ankle issues and Dennis Parker Jr. is out with an illness.
X factor: Michael O'Connell. Forever to be known as "Miracle Mike" for the shot he hit against Virginia to put the game into overtime, O'Connell upped his scoring production in the ACC tournament. The Stanford transfer was the difference between "season over" and "ACC champs." Can he keep scoring and playing at this level?
Upset potential: Low. NC State is talented but so banged up and emotionally drained after five games in five days. But getting here was improbable. Why not the Pack?
WINNER: Texas Tech. This game is in Pittsburgh at 9:40 p.m. ET on Thursday. Absent five games in five days, I would take NC State. But the physical and emotional toll of the ACC tournament will be a lot to overcome, and NC State is banged up. I cannot believe the NCAA couldn't find a Friday game for them. I don't see either team getting past Kentucky in the second round. Therefore, an upset pick likely won't hurt you.
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS: The Red Raiders are difficult to beat, and coach Grant McCasland has done a great job in Lubbock. Texas Tech is not as good or as tough defensively as it was in the past, but it is a better offensive team. Rebounding and keeping opponents from second shots have been issues, but this balanced group is capable. Five guys average double figures, with a sixth averaging 9.9 points per game. The engine of the team is Pop Isaacs, a dynamic guard who leads Texas Tech in scoring and 3-point field goals made. Isaacs is not an efficient shooter, but streaky, and can get hot and carry the Red Raiders. And this team can really make free throws, which is important in close games.
X factor: Darrion Williams. The transfer from Nevada is a 6-6 wing who leads Texas Tech in rebounding and offensive rebounding, while ranking third in scoring and second in steals. He had 30 points against Kansas and has been on a heater since early February.
Upset potential: Medium. Texas Tech didn't play a crazy difficult nonconference slate but has shown that it can beat almost anybody. The margins have been slim in Big 12 play, so the Red Raiders can knock somebody out or get knocked out by a quality lower seed.
NC STATE WOLFPACK: The ACC champion just won five games in five days, after losing four straight coming into the ACC tournament. It was likely the most improbable, incredible run in a conference tournament ever. The question is, will NC State have anything left in the tank for the NCAA tournament after the physical and emotional energy expended? NC State is unique because it has DJ Burns Jr., a former Tennessee and Winthrop big guy who has the build of an offensive lineman and the feet of a ballerina. The big lefty catches the ball off the lane and backs you down in the post. If you double him, he passes out for open 3s. If you single cover, he will ride you to the bucket. DJ Horne is the primary scorer and 3-point shooter, but will he get any help? Casey Morsell may be compromised with injury, Jayden Taylor has ankle issues and Dennis Parker Jr. is out with an illness.
X factor: Michael O'Connell. Forever to be known as "Miracle Mike" for the shot he hit against Virginia to put the game into overtime, O'Connell upped his scoring production in the ACC tournament. The Stanford transfer was the difference between "season over" and "ACC champs." Can he keep scoring and playing at this level?
Upset potential: Low. NC State is talented but so banged up and emotionally drained after five games in five days. But getting here was improbable. Why not the Pack?
WINNER: Texas Tech. This game is in Pittsburgh at 9:40 p.m. ET on Thursday. Absent five games in five days, I would take NC State. But the physical and emotional toll of the ACC tournament will be a lot to overcome, and NC State is banged up. I cannot believe the NCAA couldn't find a Friday game for them. I don't see either team getting past Kentucky in the second round. Therefore, an upset pick likely won't hurt you.
