North Carolina State vs. Texas Tech Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Mar. 21

Mar 16, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard DJ Horne (0) reacts against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Capital One Arena.
Image Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

We have your North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders prop betting and game preview needs covered as the North Carolina State Wolfpack hit the road to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

The North Carolina State Wolfpack (22-14) are set to clash with the Texas Tech Red Raiders (23-10) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament showdown. With both teams eager to advance, this matchup promises to be a battle of wills on the court.

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Odds Info

Moneyline: North Carolina State Wolfpack +165 (PointsBet) / Texas Tech Red Raiders -200 (PointsBet)

Spread: -5.0 – North Carolina State Wolfpack -110 (PointsBet) / Texas Tech Red Raiders -110 (Bet365)

Total: 145.5 – -110 (BetMGM) / -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Mar. 21

Time: 08:40 PM

Location: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: CBS

North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Trends

  • On the road, North Carolina State Wolfpack are 4 and 7 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, North Carolina State Wolfpack are 17 and 18.
  • Against the spread on the road, North Carolina State Wolfpack are 8 and 8.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Trends

  • At home, Texas Tech Red Raiders are 15 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Texas Tech Red Raiders are 15 and 17.
  • Against the spread at home, Texas Tech Red Raiders are 10 and 11.

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Predictions

The North Carolina State Wolfpack enter the tournament on an incredible high, having won five games in five days to claim the ACC title, showcasing their resilience and depth. The Wolfpack’s offense has been on fire, with senior guard DJ Horne leading the charge, averaging 16.9 points per game. Their recent performance has proven that they can take on and defeat top-tier competition, making them a formidable opponent in this first-round matchup.

Texas Tech, on the other hand, has had a strong season under first-year coach Grant McCasland. The Red Raiders have demonstrated their prowess, especially during a nine-game winning streak that highlighted their capabilities. They boast a balanced attack with several players capable of scoring in double figures, including guard Pop Isaacs, who leads the team with 15.9 points per game. However, injuries to key players Darrion Williams and Warren Washington could impact their frontcourt strength against NC State’s robust offense.

This game will likely come down to which team can assert their style of play. NC State will look to continue their offensive momentum and exploit any potential weaknesses in Texas Tech’s injury-affected lineup. Meanwhile, Texas Tech will rely on their defensive tenacity and the depth of their scoring options to contain the Wolfpack’s surge. The battle between NC State’s DJ Horne and Texas Tech’s Pop Isaacs could be pivotal in deciding which team advances to the next round.

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick

The North Carolina State Wolfpack’s recent performance, particularly their ACC tournament run, has shown that they are peaking at the right time. Their ability to overcome top competition, including rivals Duke and North Carolina, indicates a level of play that could very well carry over into the NCAA Tournament. With DJ Horne leading a high-powered offense and the team riding the momentum of a five-game winning streak, the Wolfpack have the offensive firepower and confidence to challenge Texas Tech. Considering the potential impact of injuries to Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams and Warren Washington, NC State could have an advantage in the frontcourt, which could be crucial in a tournament setting.

While Texas Tech has had a solid season and the home-court advantage, the uncertainties surrounding the health of key players could hinder their performance. NC State’s recent form, combined with the Red Raiders’ potential lineup concerns, makes the Wolfpack’s moneyline bet an attractive option. The odds reflect a close contest, but the Wolfpack’s current form and the possibility of Texas Tech not being at full strength suggest that NC State could pull off the upset. Therefore, backing the North Carolina State Wolfpack on the moneyline is a calculated risk worth taking in this first-round NCAA Tournament matchup.

The Pick: North Carolina State Wolfpack +165 (PointsBet)