NC State vs. Cal: 3 thoughts, a bold prediction and more

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Jan 15, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Parker Jr. (11) grabs a rebound against Virginia Tech Hokies center Patrick Wessler (5) during the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

NC State is back home at the Lenovo Center, the only venue it has won games inside of during the 2024-25 campaign, to host Cal on Saturday evening (6 p.m., ACC Network). The two programs have only met twice before, both in the NCAA Tournament, the most recent of which was a 58-52 win over the Golden Bears in 2006. But now, the two squads will see each other every year moving forward as Cal joined the ACC ahead of this season. Here are three thoughts, a bold prediction and more going into the Golden Bears and Wolfpack.