NC State Basketball Facing Buzzsaw at Duke Monday Night

Losing 7 of your last 9 contest including a rematch of last years Elite 8 matchup for a trip to Phoenix Monday night at Cameron seems like a tall task. A nice way of putting it is indeed what Kevin Keatts and the Wolfpack will have to do at #2 Duke during Big Monday.

The Blue Devils coming off of an emotional road test at tournament hopeful Wake Forest, defeating the Deacs 63-56 will be licking their chops when the Pack brace theirselves inside Cameron. Coach Kevin Keatts has won back to back against The Blue Devils and will need a miracle to pull off the inevitable Monday. A trip away from the final four, facing a lot of on court antics, Duke hasn't forgot how their season ended to the Pack.

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(photo courtesy of APNews)

5 of the last 7 losses have came by a combined 17 points. The Wolfpack's inability to close games at the end is the difference between being .500 in conference play and on the brink of missing the NIT. Searching for an identity, closer, and true floor general is a question that still seeks validity towards the first week of February.

Kevin Keatts has talked in great aspect of team chemistry and doing what is necessary in practice, however the team has not found a way to tally wins during an abysmal year in conference play. The ACC is projected to get 4 teams into the Big Dance as of 1/25, however four teams is being generous.

Sitting at 9-10, 2-6 in conference play, picking up a win at Duke could save their season, and the hot seat brewing under Coach Keatts.