NC State vs Florida International 11/15/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The FIU Panthers and the NC State Wolfpack meet Tuesday in college basketball action from PNC Arena. FIU is sitting at 2-0 thus far and took out Florida National in their last outing. As for NC State, they’re 2-0 as well following a victory versus Campbell back on Friday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

FIU’s season began with a matchup versus Houston Baptist. The Panthers were down 41-32 at halftime but stormed back on a 45-25 second-half run for the 77-66 win. Denver Jones led the team with 23 points and Arturo Dean added 19 points with six boards. 

Game two for the Panthers was a matchup versus Florida National. FIU had less trouble in that one, turning a 49-25 halftime lead into a 95-74 victory. Javontae Hawkins topped the team on 15 points, while Dean chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. 

Over on the NC State side, they didn’t have any trouble with Austin Peay in their season opener. The Wolfpack scored 49 points in the first half alone during a 99-50 victory. Terquavion Smith led the way on 26 points. Jarkel Joiner notched 18 points and eight assists. 

In game two versus Campbell, NC State wasn’t quite as overwhelming but they still got the job done. NC State posted a 34-33 second-half edge in an eventual 73-67 win. Smith was tops again on 19 points, and Joiner posted 17 points with six boards. 

PICK: I’m going to stay with NC State. The Wolfpack were able to dispatch a pesky Campbell team that was hot from outside (10-of-18 on 3-pointers) in their last outing. NC State shot 50 percent from the field themselves in that one, but weren’t so great on threes (4-of-16). 

As for FIU, they’ve been strong since that limp first half against Houston Baptist in the opener. That said, this will be the Panthers’ first truly tough matchup of the season, and I don’t think they’ll be able to cover.