NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Boise State Broncos
The North Carolina State Wolfpack look to rebound quickly after a first-round upset as they face the Boise State Broncos on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational. Tip-off is set for 2:30 PM ET at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii, with coverage on ESPN2.
NC State entered the tournament ranked No. 23 in the AP poll and riding a 4-0 start but was stunned by Seton Hall 85-74 in its opener. The Wolfpack, who had been scoring 100.8 points per game, saw their high-octane offense stall against early pressure and a more physical Seton Hall squad. Leading scorer Darrion Williams was limited to 12 points, well below his average, and freshman forward Musa Sagnia left the game with an injury.
Boise State, meanwhile, pushed USC to the wire in their quarterfinal but came up just short in a 70-67 loss. Javan Buchanan led the way with 18 points, and the Broncos owned the paint, outscoring the Trojans 40-16 inside. Despite the strong interior presence, they struggled from three, going just 5-for-25.
Both teams will look to avoid going 0-2 in Maui and improve positioning before heading into tougher December schedules.
Streamline Your Picks in One Dashboard
All Sports. All Experts. One Login.
Odds and Key Information
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Offensive Efficiency | NC State |
| Interior Defense | For updated lines, visit NCAAB odds and scores |
| Free Throw Shooting | Boise State |
| Perimeter Shooting | NC State |
| Rebounding | Even |
North Carolina State Wolfpack Outlook
The Wolfpack entered Maui ranked third nationally in scoring (100.8 PPG) and seventh in field goal percentage (53.8%). They also shoot 43.1% from beyond the arc. However, none of that dominance showed in their 85-74 loss to Seton Hall, where they trailed by double digits most of the second half.
First-year head coach Will Wade acknowledged the team’s lack of defensive resistance, saying the effort didn’t match tournament expectations. NC State gave up multiple straight-line drives and allowed the Pirates to control the glass with a 37-30 rebound advantage.
Darrion Williams remains the key to the Wolfpack’s offense, but depth will be tested if Sagnia is unavailable. Ven-Allen Lubin and Matt Able provide complementary scoring, but the focus must shift toward defensive intensity if NC State wants to avoid back-to-back losses.
Check out other NCAAB picks to see how NC State’s spread performance compares to other Top 25 teams.
Boise State Broncos Outlook
The Broncos have proven to be a tough out, even when their three-point shooting disappears. In their loss to USC, they shot just 20% from deep but still nearly pulled off the win due to elite paint scoring and solid rebounding. Buchanan and Carmichael provide interior toughness, while Marcus Shaver Jr. brings experience at the guard spot.
Boise State ranks inside the top 50 in free-throw shooting at 76.9%, a vital asset in close games. Their season average from three (36.9%) suggests their Monday struggles were more of an anomaly than a trend.
Coach Leon Rice emphasized the need to limit second-chance points and execute better late in games. While NC State poses a different style than USC, Boise has shown it can battle against power-conference opponents—even without shooting well.
With limited chances to face Top 25 teams outside of this tournament, Boise will be motivated to capitalize.
Betting Trends
- NC State is 4-1 straight up, but 2-3 ATS
- The Wolfpack have gone over the total in 4 of 5 games
- Boise State is 4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS
- The Broncos have hit the under in 3 of their last 4
- Neutral-site overs are 5-2 for NC State in their last 7 appearances
For more betting breakdowns, visit the full slate of college basketball picks.
Bet With Confidence, Not Guesswork
Data + Discipline = Results
Prediction
NC State’s offense should rebound against a Boise State defense that allows consistent perimeter looks. The Wolfpack will need to stay locked in defensively to prevent another upset, but their scoring advantage and depth give them the edge on a neutral floor.
Boise State’s inside game can keep them competitive for stretches, but unless their outside shooting improves, it’s hard to see them keeping up with NC State’s scoring pace. Expect the Wolfpack to pull away in the second half and cover the number.
Projected Score: NC State 84, Boise State 74
Pick: NC State -6.5
Total Lean: Over 153.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
In early-season tournaments where travel, fatigue, and momentum swing rapidly, expert picks are critical for identifying true betting value. The Handicappers Leaderboard highlights which cappers are hot and where to find the best returns on college basketball bets.
Don’t rely solely on rankings or past results—turn to expert models and real-time data. Whether it’s spread picks, over/under totals, or game props, having sharp advice on your side can tilt the odds in your favor.
