NC State Wolfpack vs
Marquette Golden EaglesPredictions & Preview

Marquette favored to beat NC State in Sweet 16 showdown at NCAA Tournament

On Friday, the 11-seed NC State will face the two-seed Marquette in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Arena, with tip-off set for 7:09 p.m. ET. NC State has a record of 24-14 SU, 18-19-1 ATS, and 22-15-1 O/U, having defeated Texas Tech and Oakland in the first two rounds and North Carolina in the ACC Championship to earn their bid. Marquette, with a record of 23-8 SU, 18-12-1 ATS, and 13-18 O/U, beat Western Kentucky and Colorado in the first two rounds and finished second in the Big East's regular season and conference tournament. Marquette is the betting favorite with an opening line of -6.5 that has not moved.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wolfpack +230 | Golden Eagles -290
• Spread: Wolfpack +6.5 (-110) | Golden Eagles -6.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 151 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Marquette will win straight-up is 74%.

NC State vs Marquette Stats

NC State Wolfpack

North Carolina State's impressive March Madness run began with a historic win in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, where they became the first double-digit seed to clinch the title. The team's success can be attributed to their experienced roster and strong performances in key matchups. Led by senior guard DJ Horne, the Wolfpack also showcase standout players such as D.J. Burns and Casey Morsell. In terms of statistics, NC State boasts solid offensive efficiency but has room for improvement on the defensive end. With a power ranking of 63 and a record of 24-14 this season, the Wolfpack's performance in key areas like shooting percentages and rebounding will be important factors to watch in their postseason journey.

Marquette Golden Eagles Analysis

Marquette is heading into the NCAA Tournament with key guard Tyler Kolek back in the lineup after recovering from an oblique injury. Kolek, along with standout junior guard Kam Jones, form one of the best backcourts in the country. The Golden Eagles recently advanced to the Sweet 16 by defeating Colorado, showcasing strong offensive performance and reliable defense. The team also has notable contributions from senior forward Oso Ighodaro, junior forward David Joplin, and junior guard Stevie Mitchell. With a national ranking of 13th overall, Marquette has demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive efficiency throughout the season. Additionally, the Golden Eagles have strong field goal percentages and defensive rebounding statistics. For more insight and expert picks on college basketball, consider checking out March Madness Expert Picks.

Marquette Poised for Victory in Sweet 16 Matchup Against NC State

It is my professional opinion that Marquette is poised to emerge as the victorious team in Friday's Sweet 16 matchup against NC State, despite not covering the spread by a significant margin. The Golden Eagles are prepared to apply heightened pressure on NC State's defense throughout the game, particularly through strategic pick-and-roll plays. With Kolek's precision passing and astute basketball IQ, Marquette is well-equipped to exploit NC State's defensive vulnerabilities in this regard. Additionally, Marquette holds an advantage in coaching and is motivated by last season's premature tournament exit. While NC State has demonstrated a resilient streak as an underdog in recent games, the team's less successful performance against the spread this season, coupled with a taxing schedule, may hinder their ability to prevail over Marquette. In conclusion, while NC State may potentially cover the spread, I believe that Marquette is the more favorable wager for this event.

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