NCAAB: #11 NC State vs #2 Marquette Odds, and Picks (Mar 29)

• NC State held off a surging Oakland squad in the 2nd round, defeating them 79-73.
• Marquette emerged victorious in a back-and-forth, 81-77, win over 10-seed Colorado.
• These two teams last faced off on December 5, 2009, in a game that NC State won 77-73.

The NCAA Tournament has reached the Sweet 16! Let’s take a look at this matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Marquette Golden Eagles. Both teams survived close games in the second round, and will now battle for a spot in the Elite 8.

How to Watch

• CBS

Preview

NC State continues their miraculous run into the 2nd weekend. The Wolfpack won the ACC Tournament and claimed the conference’s automatic bid, providing them with a spot in the tourney that they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten. They’ve made good work of that opportunity, defeating Texas Tech and Oakland to advance to the Sweet 16. NC State faces an even tougher task against Marquette, and will rely on leading-scorer DJ Horne to keep pushing the pace after a few days of rest this week.

Marquette managed to hold off the surging Buffaloes in the second round, returning to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. The Golden Eagles have their eyes set on their first Final Four in over 20 years, but need to first make it out of the South Region. Their next game against NC State could be a trap, with a bigger opponent in Houston or Duke looming. Marquette was fortunate to get star G Tyler Kolek back from injury just in time. He’s averaged 19.5 ppg, 11 apg, and 5.5 rpg in the tournament so far.

Prediction

This should be an exciting game as NC State attempts to continue defying the odds as the last double-digit seed remaining in the tournament. Marquette looked vulnerable to an upset against Colorado, but will come into this game rested and ready to go. It’s only a matter of time before NC State’s momentum runs out and they’re overwhelmed by a superior opponent. I see them keeping this one relatively close, but eventually falling victim to just that, with Marquette advancing to the Elite 8.

NCAAB Picks:

• Marquette 77, NC State 71 (NCST +6.5)