(3) Georgetown vs. (11) N.C. State Preview
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(3) Georgetown Hoyas
On a day where upsets were plentiful, the Hoyas took care of business and were in control the entire time as they dispatched Belmont 74-59. The Bruins had no answer for Jason Clark, who missed just three shots as he scored a game-high 21. Otto Porter was ridiculously efficient as well, shooting 6-7 from the field and scoring 16. The Hoyas beat the Bruins up on the boards and shot 61 percent from the field as a team. They were solid from three as well, making five of their 12 attempts. Their frontline is really going to be challenged by the Wolfpack’s. Hollis Thompson, Nate Lubick and Henry Sims will have to be strong defensively against Howell and Leslie if they hope to advance to the Sweet 16. The Hoyas should aggressively attack them and try to get them in foul trouble as the Wolfpack’s game plan will have to change completely with them off the floor.
(11) N.C. State Wolfpack
As far as seeding is concerned, the Wolfpack technically upset San Diego State 79-65. However, the Wolfpack were actually the favorite going into the ballgame and played like it from start to finish. They won the battle of the frontlines handedly behind the dominance of Richard Howell. Howell was nearly perfect, shooting 10-12 from the field and en route to a 22-point night. The Aztecs really struggled defensively, allowing Howell and the Wolfpack as a whole to get far too many quality looks near the basket. This was a game where the Wolfpack showed that they’re far more than just C.J. Leslie. Along with Howell’s strong performance, Lorenzo Brown flirted with a triple-double, recording 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. The Wolfpack needs to attack the Hoyas in a similar manner in the Round of 32. They’ll have to be sound defensively against their wide array of options and make sure to work inside then out.
HOOPSWORLD’s pick: N.C. State. This team has really been playing great basketball as of late. While the Hoyas are going to be a very difficult out, we’re going to go with N.C. State’s frontline being stellar again as they move onto the Sweet 16.
Who do you think is going win? Chime in by leaving a comment below!
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