Snowstorm Threatens ACC Basketball Games This Weekend
A significant winter storm this weekend is expected to impact several college basketball games in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Forecasts indicate a substantial snow accumulation, leading to schedule changes for various teams.
ACC Basketball Schedule Adjustments
The N.C. State Wolfpack men’s basketball team will now face Wake Forest at noon on Saturday, January 29, instead of the originally scheduled time of 3:45 p.m. This matchup will occur at Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem and will not be available on ESPN’s national networks. Fans can catch the game on ACC Network Extra, which is accessible via various cable and streaming platforms, but not through an ESPN+ subscription.
Coach’s Concerns
Head coach Will Wade expressed concerns regarding the team’s performance at noon games. N.C. State holds a record of 3-2 for such early tips. Wade noted the team’s fortunate win in their previous matchups with Wake Forest and Pittsburgh.
In preparation for Saturday’s game, the coaching staff discussed altering pregame routines and sleep patterns to ensure better performance. “We’re gonna find out how it goes,” Wade said, acknowledging the abrupt noon schedule change.
Other Teams Affected
Other Triangle ACC teams have road games on Saturday but, as of now, have not reported changes due to the weather. Duke will play Virginia Tech at noon in Blacksburg, Virginia, with the game being broadcast on ESPN. Meanwhile, No. 16 UNC is scheduled to face Georgia Tech at 2 p.m. in Atlanta on ACC Network.
N.C. Central Basketball Updates
N.C. Central has also announced changes to its basketball schedule. The men’s and women’s teams postponed their double-header originally planned for January 24. They will now host Delaware State on February 9 at McDougald-McLendon Arena. The women’s game will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 8 p.m.
Furthermore, the doubleheader against South Carolina State scheduled for this Saturday has been rescheduled to February 18 in Orangeburg, S.C., also starting at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
ACC Women’s Basketball Games Remain on Schedule
As of now, the women’s basketball teams at Duke, UNC, and N.C. State are set to proceed with their games. Duke will face Wake Forest at noon on Sunday, January 30, at Cameron Indoor Stadium, televised on ACC Network. On Monday, January 31, UNC will visit N.C. State for the annual Play4Kay game, aired on ESPN2 at 6 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes Update
In addition to the college basketball schedule changes, the Carolina Hurricanes are preparing for their game against the Washington Capitals on Saturday at 5 p.m. If weather permits, they will return to N.C. to play the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Lenovo Center.
This weekend’s winter storm poses challenges for ACC basketball and other events, highlighting the unpredictable nature of winter weather.
