NC State at Virginia: 3 thoughts, a bold prediction and more

There’s just something about playing Virginia that brings out the clutch gene in graduate guard Michael O’Connell’s DNA.  He had the game-tying tip-in to force overtime in the Pack’s regular season game at John Paul Jones Arena, an overtime loss. But O’Connell gave the Wolfpack another chance to beat the Cavaliers in the ACC Tournament as he nailed the game-tying 3-pointer over Isaac McNeely to force overtime in the league semifinals. NC State won that one — eventually cutting the nets down the next next in Washington, D.C. Now, as the Wolfpack looks to build momentum with the ACC slate here, O’Connell has a chance to add to his lore against the ‘Hoos with a New Year’s Eve clash in Charlottesville. Here are three thoughts, a bold prediction and more ahead of NC State and Virginia.