NCAA tournament Sweet 16 preview: Louisville vs. N.C. State

No. 4 Louisville (26-8) vs. No. 8 North Carolina State (22-13)

Time, TV: ​7:37 p.m. ET, TBS

Where: Syracuse, N.Y.

Why Louisville will win: The Cardinals' defense remains among the best in the nation, which has kept Louisville in games while its offense has struggled at times. Defense will be key once again, particularly against the trio of dynamic Wolfpack guards — Cat Barber, Ralston Turner and Trevor Lacey.

Why N.C. State will win: The Wolfpack played and beat the Cardinals this season, thanks to Barber's 21-point performance. Barber has elevated his play in recent weeks, and though he's sure Louisville will guard him a little differently, he'll be the key to the game for N.C. State.

History lesson: Louisville senior forward Wayne Blackshear is part of the winningest four-year period in the program's history — meaning he is the first player in Cardinals history to play in four consecutive Sweet 16s.

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