The Wolfpack will struggle to keep up for 40 minutes, as the Golden Eagles will put extra pressure on their defense in this game, particularly in pick-and-roll sets. Tyler Kolek is a precise passer off high-ball screens and will carve up an NC State defense that's struggled to defend the pick-and-roll all season (bottom 30 percent nationally). The Golden Eagles will make DJ Burns defend in space, putting Kolek's high basketball IQ on full display.

The Wolfpack have been on a nice run, but comparing it to teams of the past who went on long tournament runs is a stretch. NC State may narrowly cover the spread tomorrow, but I'm not wagering on a team that's played seven games in 16 days.

These teams play at the same pace, as both average 72 possessions per game, which should lead to exciting scoring action for 25-30 minutes. I believe the Wolfpack will struggle to defend tomorrow, but that alone shouldn't be enough to push the total over 151 points. Burns is going to exert a lot of effort defensively in pick-and-roll sets, which should limit his scoring potential on the other end of the court. With its big man less effective, NC State could really struggle from the perimeter against a Golden Eagles D that held Colorado to 10-for-30 from long range and averages nearly nine steals per game. DJ Horne, in particular, is a risky bet to reach his scoring average, especially on the heels of a 4-for-11 shooting performance (1-for-6 from three) against Oakland.