Virginia set to play NC State for the third time this season in Charlotte

For the third time this season, the Virginia basketball team will face Coach Will Wade and the NC State Wolfpack, this time in Charlotte.

On paper, this is probably a dream first game matchup for Virginia as it has had so much success against the Wolfpack already this season. The first game was in Raleigh where Virginia rolled winning 76-61. To add insult to injury, that was during the time frame of Jacari White's injury and he did not play. "I mean they didn't have the shooter White the first time we played, then they did have him the second time and he did what good shooters do," Will Wade said after NC State's win Wednesday over Pitt.

There was some skepticism over that first game entering the game for Virginia fans as the 'Hoos were coming off of a triple overtime loss to rival Virginia Tech. However, the Cavaliers came out HOT at the Lenovo Center hitting multiple 3s and building an early lead that the Wolfpack would never comeback from. Virginia got up as much as 27 and would close the game winning 76-61. This win came at the perfect time for Virginia to really propel its season getting a big win over a conference opponent.

As for the second matchup in Charlottesville, it was a bit closer for the duration of the game. Jacari White however, like Will Wade said, went on a tear. He shot 4-5 from 3 ending with 15 points off of the bench. Virginia all around was rolling that game putting up 90 points and holding State to multiple droughts winning the game 90-61.

Physicality is a huge factor in this game and is what makes Virginia matchup with NC State so well. Between Thijs De Ridder, Johann Grunloh, and Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia's size poses a serious threat to NC State. De Ridder had 19 against the Pack the second time and posed such good defensive ability. NC State Coach Will Wade knows this and mentioned it at his press conference, "They’re big and physical, and we’re not the biggest team. One of our defensive issues is just our positional size." He has that right for sure. NC State has tried to pivot throwing some double teams and adjustments, however; this is where shooters like Jacari White are such an issue as they hit the catch and shoot exceptionally. Not only White, Sam Lewis, Devin Tillis, Malik Thomas, and even a couple of big men can all hit the three in clutch situations.

Ultimately, NC State getting a win against Pitt Wednesday was big, almost securing an NCAA tournament bid no matter what happens Thursday against Virginia. "There probably wouldn’t be a next week if we lost today, so this win was important. We need to try to play better against Virginia," Will Wade explained postgame, "They’ve blown our doors off twice already this year. We’ve got to try to play better and see if we can make a game out of it tomorrow."

As for Virginia, the script is simple, just keep doing what they have been doing. The Cavaliers have proven twice they can beat this Wolfpack team, but on a neutral site floor at tournament time, anything can happen. Also, how does that old saying go? It is tough to beat a team three times. I would expect NC State to come out firing Wednesday with a gameplan to avoid having a result like the first two games. It should make for a fun matchup and atmosphere inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte Thursday.

The game tips off at noon on ESPN2—beg your boss, teacher, or professor for an early escape (or just sneak it onto the office TV). Weekday 'Hoos hoops is finally here!