Introduction
The rivalry between South Carolina and NC State has spanned decades and has produced some of the most memorable games in college basketball history. Both schools have rich traditions and passionate fan bases, making their matchups must-watch events. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the history, key matchups, and current state of the South Carolina-NC State rivalry.
A Storied History
The first meeting between South Carolina and NC State took place on January 10, 1924, in Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks emerged victorious with a score of 29-22. Since then, the teams have met 103 times, with NC State holding a slight edge in the all-time series with a record of 54-49.
Key Matchups
Throughout their history, South Carolina and NC State have played several unforgettable games that have shaped the rivalry. Here are some of the most memorable matchups:
- 1973 ACC Tournament Final: NC State defeated South Carolina 74-64 to win the tournament championship. The game featured a legendary performance by David Thompson, who scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
- 1975 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight: South Carolina upset NC State 86-76 to advance to the Final Four. The Gamecocks were led by John Roche, who had 31 points.
- 1994 ACC Tournament Semifinal: NC State rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat South Carolina 78-76 in overtime. The Wolfpack were led by Tony Bethel, who hit the game-winning jumper.
- 2017 NCAA Tournament Second Round: South Carolina defeated NC State 73-66 to advance to the Sweet 16. Sindarius Thornwell led the Gamecocks with 21 points.
- 2021 ACC Tournament Quarterfinal: NC State defeated South Carolina 75-68 to advance to the semifinals. Jericole Hellems led the Wolfpack with 30 points.
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the South Carolina-NC State rivalry has been competitive. Both schools have made frequent appearances in the NCAA Tournament and have challenged for ACC championships. In the 2022-23 season, NC State is ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll, while South Carolina is unranked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes that bettors should avoid when wagering on South Carolina-NC State games:
- Overestimating South Carolina’s home-court advantage: While South Carolina has a strong home-court advantage, it is not as significant as some may believe. NC State has won several games in Columbia over the years.
- Undervaluing NC State’s defense: NC State is known for its strong defense, which can be difficult to score against. Bettors should not underestimate the Wolfpack’s ability to limit their opponents’ scoring.
- Betting on the over-under based on past results: The over-under for South Carolina-NC State games has varied significantly in recent years. Bettors should avoid blindly following past results when betting on the total points scored.
Pros and Cons
Here is a comparison of the pros and cons of betting on South Carolina and NC State:
| Team | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Strong home-court advantage | Can be inconsistent on the road |
| NC State | Strong defense | Can struggle to score at times |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has the better overall record in the rivalry?
NC State has a slight edge in the all-time series with a record of 54-49.
2. Which team has won the most recent meeting?
NC State defeated South Carolina 75-68 in the 2021 ACC Tournament Quarterfinal.
3. Who is the all-time leading scorer in the rivalry?
NC State’s David Thompson is the all-time leading scorer in the rivalry with 889 points.
4. What is the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry?
NC State’s 106-63 victory over South Carolina in 1972 is the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry.
5. Which team has the better NCAA Tournament record?
NC State has a better NCAA Tournament record than South Carolina, having advanced to the Final Four five times and winning the national championship in 1974 and 1983.
6. Which team has the better NBA Draft record?
NC State has the better NBA Draft record than South Carolina. Since 1985, NC State has produced 26 NBA Draft picks, while South Carolina has produced 16.
Conclusion
The South Carolina-NC State rivalry is one of the most passionate and storied in college basketball. Both schools have proud histories and passionate fan bases. In recent years, the rivalry has been competitive, with both teams making frequent appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Bettors should be aware of the common mistakes to avoid when wagering on South Carolina-NC State games and should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each team before making a bet.
