NC State Basketball: Predictions for Wolfpack in ACC Tournament

The NC State men's basketball team closed out its season on a high note Saturday, defeating Syracuse in convincing fashion, 71-57. The win clinched the seventh seed in the upcoming ACC tournament, and marked the team's fifth victory in six games, vaulting it to 10-8 in ACC play and 19-12 overall.

With the tournament set to begin this week, the Pack will take on the University of Pittsburgh in the second round, a team they beat by 18 points at home in early January. 

Head coach Mark Gottfried always seems to have his squads playing their best ball toward the end of the season, and this year is no different. The Pack has likely secured an NCAA tournament berth, so any noise they make this week will only help their resume. 

Keeping that in mind, let's make a couple of predictions for the Wolfpack as they get ready for the tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

1. NC State's Game Against Pitt Will Be a Blowout

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Under Gottfried, the Wolfpack have traditionally played exceptionally well in their opening games in the ACC tournament. They always seem to come out sharp and execute. Have a look at their opening matchups since Gottfried's arrival:

2012: W 78-57 over Boston College

2013: W 80-63 over Virginia Tech

2014: W 67-58 over Miami 

As you can see, the team comes ready to play. On top of that, Pitt is reeling. In fact, it lost three straight games to close the season, including to a five-win Wake Forest team. Not to mention, NC State already blew out Pitt back in January (68-50), holding them to just 33 percent shooting. The Panthers present a favorable matchup for the Pack, and it's a game that NC State should win given how well it is playing of late. 

On the contrary, Pitt has seemed to have already peaked under head coach Jamie Dixon. 

2. The Wolfpack Will Win at Least 2 Conference Tournament Games

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This is not necessarily a bold prediction, as Gottfried has guided the Wolfpack to at least two ACC tournament victories in three straight seasons. It is however, unlikely. Especially because the Wolfpack would draw Duke as their second matchup if they are able to beat Pitt.

While it's true that NC State already beat Duke once this season, a rematch would probably favor the Blue Devils. Why? Well, Duke has been nearly unstoppable in Greensboro. Since 1999, they've won the ACC Tournament 10 times, including a three-peat from 2009-11. 

Nevertheless, the Wolfpack have had a penchant for upsetting teams in the conference tournament. The Wolfpack knocked off Virginia in back-to-back years in 2012 and 2013, and both times the Cavaliers were the favorite as a No. 4 seed. Last year, the victim was No. 2-seeded Syracuse in the quarterfinals.

While it certainly won't be easy, the team matches up well against the Blue Devils and could give them a run for their money. 

3. Both Trevor Lacey and Cat Barber Will Be Named All-ACC Players

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If it weren't for NC State's starting backcourt this season, who knows where this team would be? Whether it was Trevor Lacey making a timely shot or Cat Barber creating for his teammates, those two have really brought it when the Pack has needed them most.

Who could forget Lacey's season-saving shot at Georgia Tech? Or Barber's 21 points at Louisville? Time and time again, these two have stepped up in the face of adversity to keep the Pack's postseason hopes alive.

Lacey has already been honored as a member of the All-ACC second team. His ability to take over games in critical situations, while also thriving in isolation sets, makes him a prime candidate to do well in the tournament. 

4. The Wolfpack Will Improve Their NCAA Tournament Stock

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According to ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi, NC State is currently pegged as a No. 9 seed in Kentucky's region, set to play against Dayton.

If the Wolfpack are able to beat both Pitt and Duke, they could very well move up as high as a seven seed come Selection Sunday. The reason? They'd be 21-13 overall, with four wins against Top 20 teams (including two on the road, and one on a neutral court). Not to mention, they boast one of the best strength of schedules in the country, as well as a top 50 RPI (46). 

Who knows, maybe they beat Notre Dame and play their way into the ACC Championship. In any case, the Pack will not hurt their resume as long as they do not lose to Pittsburgh in the second round. 

Again, Gottfried has his Wolfpack playing their best basketball of the year right now, and they come into postseason play as one of the hotter teams in the country. If they stay locked in, they'll do damage in the ACC tournament and should come out with an improved situation going into the Big Dance.