Kevin Keatts discusses the importance of picking up in-state wins

In-state matchups mean a lot in college sports. That’s especially true in the state of North Carolina during college basketball season and, at the moment, Kevin Keatts and NC State are in the lead when it comes to that conversation.

Keatts spoke about the Wolfpack’s in-state victories during media on Monday after winning 77-69 over North Carolina this weekend. He’s happy to give their fans and his players the bragging rights but, depending on the season, he said it’s not as important as the conference aspect that comes with those wins.

“I’m tickled for our fans. Obviously, they get a chance to go to work today or tomorrow have a few bragging rights. I’m happy for our kids. Whether we say it or not? Our kids read that stuff and grow up playing AAU against a lot of the players that play in-state,” said Keatts.

“I don’t say it’s more important,” Keatts said. “I say each year presents a different thing. It just depends on who’s a hot team, what their Quads are. And the certain teams you have to beat to put yourself in a great situation.”

NC State is 3-0 against the state this season. First, they knocked off Duke by 24 in Raleigh. They then went to Winston-Salem and won a hard-fought game in comeback fashion against Wake Forest. The latest victory was this weekend’s win over the Tar Heels where they finished on a 20-10 run.

As of now, Keatts and the Wolfpack are projected as a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament. If they can pick up two more wins over the state with a home game against Wake and a game in Cameron Indoor left, NC State might get the best of both worlds with in-state dominance and an improved resume to end the season.