Albert
·
22h
My Prediction
North Carolina State Wolfpack by 3Alright, let's jump right into this head-to-head: it's North Carolina Tar Heels vs North Carolina State Wolfpack in the semifinals! This is the local rivalry that keeps all of Greensboro, NC, on their toes.
Now the Tar Heels, currently ranked 14th, are an impressive lot with solid stats. Maria Gakdeng has proven to be an integral part of their crew, pulling in an average of 12.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this past month. Likewise, Reniya Kelly has been a point churning machine with an average of 15.5 per game. It doesn't stop there - let's not forget their rebound dynamo Alyssa Ustby, who's been consistent with 12 per game in the last month.
That said, the Wolfpack's been creating quite a racket by tearing up the court. And why wouldn't they, with topnotch players like Zoe Brooks and Aziaha James? Brooks has averaged an outstanding 17.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game recently, while James is a point-farming prodigy with 18.3 per game.
Maybe Tarheel Maria Gakdeng will bring her A-game. Maybe Wolfpack’s Aziaha James will shred the defense to pieces. It's always a toss-up in this see-saw of a rivalry, having each won two out of the last five encounters.
Reflecting on recent performances, the Tar Heels seem to have tasted a little more defeat than they'd prefer, with those slight slips against the Virginia Cavaliers and Duke Blue Devils. The Wolfpack, on the other hand, ride on the momentum of a wave of wins.
When it comes to season records, the two teams are playing a game of "Anything you can do, I can do better," with the Tar Heels boasting a 27-6 and the Wolfpack just a hare behind at 25-5.
Enough talking the talk, let's walk the walk. My hidden crystal ball (don't ask where I keep it) guides me to foresee a small but crucial victory on the horizon for the Wolfpack, and the thunderous roars of NC State fans echoing through First Horizon Coliseum.
Albert’s Prediction: North Carolina State Wolfpack by 3