As we dive into the final stretch of the regular season, the margin for error is shrinking for teams teetering on the NCAA Tournament bubble. One such team, Wake Forest, is desperate to bolster its resume and make a push for a spot in the Big Dance. With a lackluster 0-6 record in Quad 1 games, the Demon Deacons need a statement win to turn their fortunes around. Their next opportunity comes in the form of a home matchup against a formidable opponent, with a Quad 1 victory within reach.
The visiting team, boasting a NET ranking of 27 and a 5-2 conference record, is projected as a top-4 seed in the tournament. Their impressive quad record, featuring a 1-4 mark in Quad 1 games and a 6-1 record in Quad 2 contests, is a reflection of their strength and depth. Although they've experienced some recent turbulence, including a loss in their last outing, they're still favored to come out on top here. According to the CHD Scout prediction, they're expected to win by 6.0 points, with Wake Forest given just a 28.8% chance of pulling off the upset.
For Wake Forest, this game is a chance to silence critics and prove they belong in the tournament conversation. With a 65 NET ranking and a 2-5 conference record, they're running out of time to make a move. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a win sandwiched between two losses, and they'll need to dig deep to find the energy and determination required to take down their opponents. Unfortunately, there's no standout player momentum to speak of, so it'll be up to the entire roster to step up and make a difference.
CHD Scout Prediction
NC State
82
Wake Forest
76
Given the stakes and the talent disparity, it's hard to envision Wake Forest emerging victorious. The CHD Scout prediction has them losing by 6.0 points, and it's difficult to argue with that assessment. While the Demon Deacons will undoubtedly give it their all in front of their home crowd, their opponent's superior strength and tournament pedigree should ultimately prove too much to overcome. I'm predicting a 6-point win for the visitors, with their balanced attack and defensive prowess guiding them to a hard-fought road victory.