Just a few weeks ago, NC State basketball faced a precarious situation in a preseason home game against Division II Lees-McRae. But now, the team has turned things around and stands at 4-0 after a convincing 72-49 victory over Colgate in the Lenovo Center on Monday night. This victory came on the heels of the Wolfpack's back-to-back wire-to-wire wins.

Witness NC State Basketball's Dramatic Turnaround

Preseason Struggles and Recent Victories

A few weeks back, NC State found themselves in a tight spot against Lees-McRae. However, since then, they have shown remarkable resilience. The 72-49 win over Colgate was a testament to their growth. Colgate, a team with four straight NCAA Tournament bids, posed a challenge, but the Wolfpack rose to the occasion. Their back-to-back wire-to-wire wins further demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure.

These victories are not just about the final score. They represent the hard work and determination of the players. The team has been working tirelessly in practice to polish their skills and gel as a unit. As Kevin Keatts mentioned in his opening statement to the media, the players have been locked in defensively, something that was evident in holding Colgate to under 50 points for the first time since 2021.

Injuries and Encouraging Signs

Despite facing a few setbacks in the injury department, there are plenty of encouraging signs in Raleigh. Senior forward Ben Middlebrooks' performance against Colgate was a standout. He tallied 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and three blocks, showing his ability to make an impact on both ends of the court.

Keatts praised Middlebrooks' three great days of practice leading up to the game. His energy and effort were rewarded on gameday, and it's always a positive sign when a player can translate practice into game performance. This shows that the team is getting better as they continue to work together and overcome obstacles.

Upcoming Challenges and Future Prospects

The competition is about to heat up for the Wolfpack. Just over a week away, they will head to the Rady Children's Invitational in San Diego, Calif., where they have a chance for revenge against No. 6-ranked Purdue, the team that ended their 2023-24 basketball campaign in the Final Four.

Before that, they have a home game against William & Mary at 7 p.m. ET Friday (ACC Network Extra). This will be another test for the team as they look to build on their recent success. Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more updates on their journey.