NC State Wolfpack (22-14) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (23-10)
NC State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders 3/21/24 – The NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament is heating up as the NC State Wolfpack prepare to clash with the Texas Tech Red Raiders this Thursday. Both teams are looking to extend their successful seasons with a deep run in the tournament. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, offering a wealth of opportunities for free expert NCAAB analysis.
The NC State Wolfpack has displayed their impeccable strength and ability during the season throughout. Having recorded an average 76.4 points per game with a field goal percentage of 45%, the Wolfpack’s offense has really shined. Their 3-points shooting efficiency of 34.7% gives them that edge, and so does the strong 73.4% free throw shooting performance. Offensively, NC State has gathered 35 rebounds per game although defensively, they also lead in disrupting plays with 7.4 steals and 3.5 blocks per game.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders present a tough nut to crack. Their average 75.6 points per game and the field goal percentage of 45.3% which is marginally better, is close to what NC State has to offer on the offensive end. The Red Raiders have many strengths on the offensive side, including a 36.5% rate of 3-point shots made and a 77.8% free-throw efficiency. Their defensive stats are equally impressive where the team averages 35 rebounds per game, but they also exhibit strong defensive abilities with 6.1 steals and 2.5 blocks per game.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders 3/21/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 9:40 PM ET |
| Where: | PPG Paints Arena |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
DJ Horne (Guard) vs. Pop Isaacs (Guard)
DJ Horne has shown much of his prowess with the Wolfpack so far, he has played in 35 games and has a staggering 32.1 minutes-on-court average. He makes a remarkable contribution of 16.9 points per game, alongside 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and a whopping 1.4 steals per game, which all can testify to his importance as a central player. Horne’s shot is automatic, holding a 44.2% field goal percentage and a massive 41.3% from three-point range, reflecting his importance as an offensive tool.
Pop Isaacs is Texas Tech’s central person. Through 33 games this season Isaacs has averaged 15.9 points with 3.2 rebounds and leads with 3.5 assists. While his field goal efficiency is lower at 35.5% but his free throw proportion is impressive at 83.6%. Although Isaacs’ involvement in the play will be important and highly relevant to Texas Tech, his turnover rate could become a problem while facing North Carolina State’s aggressive defense.
The performances of these leading players will be one of the decisive factors and their encounters on the field will shape the final result of the game. Horne is a great scorer and Isaacs is a good playmaker. They make an interesting pair, each capable of putting his team ahead of the game.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Texas Tech Red Raiders -230, Total Odds: 145.5
The betting odds favor the Texas Tech Red Raiders as the -230 moneyline favorites, with the point spread set at -5.5. The total for the game is pegged at 145.5 points, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends
NC State Wolfpack have had a red-hot run, with their last 5 games being victories and the spread being covered in 4 of those victories. Despite a good balance of 8-8 record against the spread in away games, their ability to go above point expectations in their recent games with totals going OVER in 3 of the last five speaks volumes about their offense potency.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Trends
Against the spread, Texas Tech achieved a 4-1 record in their last 5 games, identical to what we observed with BYU. On the road, their performance against the spread somewhat changes, as they currently have a 5-6 record, revealing something about their inconsistent performance as road warriors. Over the course of recent matches, the totals have managed to stay under, going OVER in only one of the last five, which is certainly something to be considered when purchasing tickets.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders 3/21/24 Betting Picks
According to the analysis and betting trends, this game will be close, both teams showing to be good on offense and defense. As the game is about to begin, the most important asset will be the performance of the two stars, DJ Horne and Pop Isaacs, as well as how well each team performs under pressure.
Taking into account the game format and the athletes in the matchup, expect a close game that may even go down to the wire. Texas Tech is believed to have a slight edge in shooting percentage and free throw advantage that may prove significant, especially in a tightly contested tournament game. For bettors, considering the Texas Tech spread and exploring prop bets around key player performances might offer the best value, aligning with the best premium expert picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Texas Tech Red Raiders 76, NC State Wolfpack 70.