Mon Nov 17 23:50:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

NC State Basketball Faces VCU Rams in Crucial Early-Season Matchup

Raleigh, NC – The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team (game record not mentioned in text) tips off a vital five-game stretch aimed at bolstering their NCAA tournament resume tonight against the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Lenovo Center and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.

Experts at KenPom and Bart Torvik predict a Wolfpack victory, with scores estimated around 84-74 and 86-78, respectively.

The Rams, a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, are undergoing another coaching change, with Phil Martelli Jr. taking the helm after Ryan Odom’s departure to UVA. Martelli Jr. previously coached at Bryant University, leading them to the American East championship and an NCAA tournament appearance. The VCU coaching position has become known as a launching point for successful college basketball coaches, with multiple former Rams coaches currently leading programs in Power 4 conferences.

Despite losing their top five scorers from last season, the VCU Rams are picked to win the A-10 conference. This marks Martelli Jr.’s third season as a head coach.

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