N.C. State vs. Duke – 1:30pm

N.C. State Wolfpack (11-5, 2-1) vs. Duke Blue Devils (14-0, 2-0) – 1:30 pm @ PNC Arena | TV: CBS

N.C. State gets another opportunity at a signature win today as they face Big Four rival Duke this afternoon. The Blue Devils are rated #2 in the AP & Coaches’ polls, and #6 in the RPI. A win today would greatly bolster the Pack’s NCAA Tournament resume and provide a huge boost to their RPI ranking, which currently sits at #48. The Pack gave a solid effort their last time out at Virginia, having opportunities late to steal a road win before ultimately falling short in their bid to garner a signature win.

Duke enters today contest with an impressive 14-0 record that includes wins over Michigan St., Temple, Stanford, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. Bolstered by a stellar freshman class, Duke has been every bit the match of #1 Kentucky this season. The Blue Devils’ ACC victories have come against Boston College and Wake Forest, with the Deacons giving a spirited effort before falling short. Wake was effective in slowing down Duke frosh Jahlil Okafor and shot well in the 2nd half, but Duke was still able to gut out a road victory. Duke may be in the middle of yet another special season in the Hall of Fame career of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. It will take a tremendous effort from the Pack and the home crowd at the PNC in order to pull out a victory today.

As for the stripes, we know one ref who won’t be calling the game today … we’ll have to see what kind of response Karl’s cohorts have in store today 🙂