Marquette vs. NC State: Predictions, picks, odds for Friday’s March Madness game

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What’s sweeter than the Sweet 16?

The March Madness action carries on when the No. 2 Marquette Golden Eagles take on the No. 11 North Carolina State Wolfpack to open Friday action.

Shaka Smart returns to the Sweet 16 for the first time since taking VCU to the Final Four in 2011. The Golden Eagles beat No. 15 Western Kentucky 87-69 and No. 10 Colorado 81-77 so far in the tournament. They have four players who average double digits scoring. Against Western Kentucky, Kam Jones had 28 points, Tyler Kolek added 18 points and 11 assists and David Joplin contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds. Kolek, who has returned from an oblique injury, led the team with 21 points and 11 assists in their second-round game.

It’s North Carolina State’s turn to be Cinderella. They surprised everyone by winning the ACC tournament and then started the Big Dance by upsetting No. 6 Texas Tech 80-67. Junior forward Ben Middlebrooks stepped up and had a career-high 21 points off the bench. The Wolfpack had eight steals and held the Red Raiders to a 38.7 field goal percentage. Senior forward DJ Burns Jr. was the star of the second-round matchup with 24 points and 11 rebounds when they beat the No. 14 Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The Wolfpack are the lowest seed left.

Here’s what to know about Friday’s Sweet 16 matchup:

Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart yells down court during NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Friday, March 22, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Marquette Golden Eagles 87-69.

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Marquette vs. NC State predictions

Fayetteville Observer: NC State 76, Marquette 72

College sports beat reporter Rodd Baxley writes: “The Golden Eagles are the favorites and have (Tyler) Kolek back in the mix, but this is March. (Head coach) Kevin Keatts has NC State rolling at the right time, so why not the Wolfpack?”

PicksWise: Marquette to win and cover…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/marquette-vs-nc-state-predictions-095507150.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-03-29 09:55:07

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