North Carolina State University Athletics
A Lot Will Be On The Line In Charlottesville
2/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
There was a time about two weeks ago when NC State was on a sure path to secure its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1991. Now, a two-game losing streak and injuries to a pair of key reserves, have clouded the Wolfpack's post-season hopes.
That's why NC State (15-6, 5-5 ACC) will be facing a near must-win situation when it meets Virginia (15-8, 5-5) Saturday night in Charlottesville.
"We can't lay our head down and feel sorry for ourselves," said Wolfpack forward Damon Thornton. "We've got a lot of season left."
The Cavaliers can certainly empathize with the Pack's fate. They're almost in the exact same situation following a stunningly lopsided loss at Georgia Tech on Wednesday night.
Adding to the intrigue of Saturday night's contest will be NC State's attempt to win its first ACC road game of the season. So far this season, the Wolfpack is 0-4 in opposing league venues.
NC State will be trying to break another streak as well this weekend: The Pack has lost eleven straight games at Virginia University Hall.
Earlier this season, NC State edged Virginia in Raleigh 65-62. That was the night the Wolfpack held on despite missing 17 of 27 free throw attempts. But there is one huge difference between then and now; Back-up center and reserve swingman Marshall Williams were available in that first meeting. They'll be in street clothes this time around.
Kelley, who scored a career high 24-points last year in Charlottesville, is about a week or so away from recovering from minor knee surgery. Williams will miss about three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday.
