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NC State opens as slight favorite in non-conference tilt vs. Virginia

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 2:29 GMT by on3.com
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NC State Opens as Slight Favorite in Non‑Conference Tilt with Virginia

The ACC’s blue‑and‑white rivalry has taken on a new, neutral‑site twist this season as the NC State Wolfpack will open the non‑conference slate at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, facing off against the Virginia Cavaliers on Thursday, November 29, 2023. According to the latest betting lines, the Wolfpack are the slight favorites, with a spread of –2.5 points, while the Cavaliers are set to be the underdogs at +2.5. The matchup is a rare, non‑conference encounter between two ACC teams, offering an early taste of what could be a high‑stakes conference showdown later in the season.

A Game of Historical Intrigue

The two programs have shared a long, intertwined history, both dominating the ACC landscape for decades. Last season’s meeting was a 72‑66 victory for Virginia, which finished the year ranked #15 in the AP Poll, while NC State finished the regular season at 22‑12 and unranked. In the 2022‑23 season, the Wolfpack returned the favor with a 79‑63 win over Virginia in the ACC tournament’s first round—an upset that has fans eager to see if the trend will continue or reverse. The upcoming game thus carries a palpable narrative: will Virginia break a losing streak against a familiar foe, or will NC State assert dominance in a neutral‑court environment?

NC State: Momentum and Muscle

The Wolfpack’s offseason was marked by a shuffling of the guard rotation, with the arrival of senior guard Jalen Hudson and the return of the versatile forward Nico Williams. The roster, available on the official Wolfpack website, shows a squad that has emphasized ball‑movement and perimeter shooting. Hudson, who has averaged 14.5 points and 5.2 assists per game, has been a consistent offensive spark, while Williams has contributed a double‑digit average with his defensive grit and three‑point shooting.

Ben Howland, who has steered the Wolfpack to a 3‑year record of 55‑33, highlighted the team’s growth in a recent press conference. “We’ve worked hard on spacing and transition,” Howland said. “Virginia is a tough team, but we’re confident in our preparation and our execution.”

Statistically, NC State averages 46.2 points per game and holds the nation’s 13th best defense, allowing 39.3 points per contest. Their offensive efficiency is ranked 15th in the country, with a 47.8% field‑goal percentage and 35.6% from beyond the arc. The Wolfpack’s defense excels in rebounding, with a 53% rebound rate, and in forcing turnovers, averaging 10.1 per game.

Virginia: A Rising Powerhouse

The Cavaliers, under the guidance of the legendary Tony Bennett, continue to build on their championship pedigree. Led by sophomore forward Jabari Smith Jr., who posts a staggering 21.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, Virginia has emerged as a national contender. Smith’s efficiency, combined with the steady play of guard Jalen Smith and forward Jalen McKissic, has propelled the Cavaliers to a 24‑9 record in the 2023‑24 season, and they currently sit at #23 in the AP Poll.

Tony Bennett, in a recent interview featured on the Cavaliers’ official site, stressed the importance of the neutral‑site setting: “We’re excited about the opportunity to play NC State at Charlotte. It’s a different environment, but the fundamentals remain the same. We’re going to test our defense and see how we handle the fast‑break offense.”

Virginia’s offensive prowess is highlighted by their 47.9 points per game, ranked 12th nationally, and a 48.5% shooting from the floor. Their perimeter shooting averages 39.4% from three, and they’ve displayed a disciplined defense that forces an average of 8.3 turnovers per game.

Key Matchup Points

1. Guard‑to‑Guard Duel – Jalen Hudson’s playmaking will be tested against Virginia’s defensive specialists. While Hudson has shown an ability to create shots, Virginia’s guard rotation, including Jalen Smith, is known for its disciplined positioning and back‑door opportunities.

2. Rebounding Battle – Both teams boast strong frontcourts, but Virginia’s dominance in rebounding—averaging 44.2 per game—could give them the extra possessions needed to edge out NC State.

3. Inside‑Out Versatility – Nico Williams’ ability to stretch the floor may open up lanes for Virginia’s inside game. Conversely, Virginia’s interior defense, anchored by Jabari Smith Jr., could challenge NC State’s post play.

4. Fast‑Break Pace – The Wolfpack’s transition offense, built around quick ball movement and high‑energy play, will test the Cavaliers’ defensive switches and depth.

Betting Outlook

The odds reflect a cautious view of the matchup. NC State’s slight edge of 2.5 points may indicate that sportsbooks believe the Wolfpack’s fast‑break advantage outweighs Virginia’s defensive scheme. However, Virginia’s current ranking and star‑player performance could tip the scales if they maintain momentum from their recent conference games.

What to Watch

For fans and analysts, the game will be a litmus test of both teams’ preparation for the upcoming ACC season. Watching how NC State’s guard rotation adapts to Virginia’s defensive schemes will be crucial. Likewise, Virginia’s ability to contain the Wolfpack’s transition offense will likely determine the game’s tempo.

With the 2024‑25 season just a few months away, this non‑conference tilt offers a preview of the rivalry that could define conference play. Whether the Wolfpack can sustain their early‑season spark in a neutral venue or whether Virginia’s star power and defensive acumen will prevail remains to be seen. The final score is still up in the air, but one thing is certain: the stage is set for an exciting, high‑stakes showdown between two ACC titans.