Game thread: NC State vs. Butler

You knew the second that NC State and Butler were announced in the same tournament field that they would eventually play each other, because this is how the universe works. I hope Manny Bates gets 20 and 10, and I hope we win by 15.

The likelihood of these two results proving simpatico—not good. Alas. We’ll see which way it goes.

Wolfpack vs. Bulldogs

Tip time: 10 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Online streaming: WatchESPN