3 Daunting Questions for NC State Wolfpack vs. Purdue in Final Four

3. Can NC State Win the Turnover Battle?

Purdue doesn't have many weaknesses, so opponents have to take advantage of what they can to pull out a victory. Well, the Boilermakers' glaring weakness right now is turnovers. Since March 1st, they're 164th in turnover rate (16.1%) and 330th in defensive turnover rate (12.1%).

NC State is 68th in offensive turnover percentage (13.7%) in the same timeframe, and they have to win the turnover battle to put pressure on Purdue's young backcourt.

The Wolfpack turned the ball over just five times against Duke, preventing easy baskets in transition while giving themselves more opportunities to score within the flow of the offense. It's a credit to the chemistry NC State has right now, and they can attack Purdue on fast breaks if they can poke the ball away on the defensive end.

NC State's ability to protect the ball lets them be patient within offensive sets, which could frustrate the Boilermakers if this thing stays close.

A path to a Wolfpack victory centers around getting Purdue out of their element and making them feel the pressure of the moment. NC State is playing with house money but it's not time to cash out quite yet.

There's a real path to victory for this team of destiny, but they have to win the turnover battle to see it become a reality.

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