What we learned through NC State basketball’s non-conference schedule

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Dec 4, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts looks on during the second half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State’s non-conference slate has come and gone. The Wolfpack avoided any buy-game losses, but at the same time, could not earn an NCAA Tournament resume-building win in the process. The Pack, which went 0-4 against Power Conference squads outside of the ACC, enters the heart of its league schedule with work to do for March. Wins will be at a premium for the Wolfpack, which at this point, likely needs to make a run in the ACC Tournament to have a chance at returning to March Madness for the third straight season. But before NC State (8-4, 1-0 ACC) returns to the court for a road date at Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena on New Year’s Eve, here are three takeaways from the Wolfpack’s non-conference showing.