In a matchup of underdogs in the South Region of the Division I Basketball Championship Tournament, the 14th-seeded Oakland Golden Grizzlies will take on the 11th-seeded NC State Wolfpack. Both teams are coming off impressive upset victories in the previous round, adding an extra layer of excitement to this showdown.

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (24-11) secured a stunning 80-76 win over the Kentucky Wildcats thanks to an outstanding second-half performance. Shooting 41.3% from the field and an impressive 48.4% from beyond the arc, the Golden Grizzlies showcased their offensive prowess. Senior guard Jack Gohlke stole the spotlight, contributing 32 points off the bench. Defensively, Oakland limited Kentucky to a shooting percentage of 41.3% from the field.

Offensively, the Golden Grizzlies have been strong throughout the season, averaging 76.5 points per game on a 45.0% shooting percentage. However, their defense will need to tighten up as they allow an average of 73.0 points per game. The team's injury report remains undisclosed.

On the other side, the NC State Wolfpack (23-14) also pulled off an upset, defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders by a score of 80-67. The Wolfpack showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 50.9% of their shots from the field. Junior guard Ben Middlebrooks made a significant impact, contributing 21 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Defensively, NC State stifled Texas Tech, limiting them to a shooting percentage of 38.7%.

The Wolfpack's offense has been consistent throughout the season, averaging 76.5 points per game on a 45.0% shooting percentage. Their defense has also performed reasonably well, allowing an average of 72.5 points per game. No injuries were reported for NC State.

KenPom's adjusted efficiency margin indicates a significant disparity between the two teams, with NC State ranked 53rd in the country with a +14.12 rating, while Oakland ranks 130th with a +3.81 rating. The Wolfpack also lead in the assist-to-turnover ratio, reinforcing their advantage.

Given Oakland's reliance on Jack Gohlke's bench dominance, it may not be sustainable in the long run. As a result, many expect the NC State Wolfpack to cover the spread. The prediction favors the Wolfpack by 6.5 points.

The clash between these two teams is expected to be high-scoring, with both offenses showcasing their firepower in recent games. Oakland has averaged 78.0 points in their previous four games, while NC State has put up 78.8 points in their last five games. Both teams have demonstrated efficiency from beyond the arc, with NC State shooting 34.7% and Oakland shooting 36.0%.

Ultimately, the over/under line is set at 146.5 points, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair.

As fans eagerly await this exciting clash, it remains to be seen which team will prevail in this battle of underdogs, but one thing is certain: both teams will leave everything on the court.

Written By Arthur Reyes