No. 2 Stanford (30-5) and No. 3 NC State (29-6) will take the floor tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET in Portland in what’s expected to be a tightly-contested Sweet 16 matchup. The Cardinal reached this stage after dispatching Iowa State in overtime in the Round of 32, while the Wolfpack topped Tennessee.
Whichever side prevails will await the winner of Texas vs Gonzaga in the Regional Final. Stanford is bound to be determined to reach that stage after getting bounced in the second round in 2022-23.
Here are our best bets and predictions for Stanford vs NC State.
Stanford vs NC State Odds
All NCAAW odds are current as of Thursday, March 28, at 11 a.m. ET.
- Spread: Stanford -4.5 (-110) • NC State +4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Stanford (-200) • NC State (+165)
- Total: Over 134.5 (-110) • Under 134.5 (-110)
The Cardinal are listed as 4.5-point favorites over the Wolfpack, which falls in line with expectations. Stanford has been one of college basketball’s most dominant teams all year, excelling on both ends of the floor behind double-double machines Kiki Iriafen and Cameron Brink.
NC State has a strong defense and is one of the country’s best teams on the glass, ranking third in defensive rebounds per game and 11th in field goal percentage allowed (35.6%). Given their similar strengths, this should make for an exciting battle on the boards.
Stanford vs NC State Prediction
Stanford 73, NC State 67
The main question we’re all asking ahead of Stanford-NC State is whether or not the Wolfpack will be able to handle Iriafen and Brink. The former popped off for a career-high 41 points in Sunday’s win over Iowa State, while the latter led the nation in blocks per game (3.6).
While NC State’s forwards will have their hands full, their guards could level the playing field. Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers combined for 42 points and took care of business on defense, racking up four steals and three blocks.
- See the top North Carolina sportsbook promotions for Stanford vs NC State.
With that said, this Stanford team is too strong for me to pick the upset. Tara VanDerveer’s squad is a two-way force, and we’ve seen that any offensive mismatches or deficiencies can be made up on the defensive end of the floor. Back the Cardinal to advance.
Stanford vs NC State Best Bets
Stanford -4.5 (-110) vs NC State
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This is an impressive Wolfpack team, but it isn’t quite as strong as versions we’ve seen over the last several years. Plus, most of Stanford’s losses this season came to teams that shoot the three-ball particularly well — like USC and Colorado — and that’s not an area where NC State excels.
I expect the Cardinal to build a sizable lead by the break and more or less maintain it en route to covering as 4.5-point favorites. Take Stanford against the spread as your best college basketball bet today.
Over 134.5 Points (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Cardinal have one of the nation’s most elite offenses, and with Iriafen proving she can reach another level, this team looks all the more capable of putting up a big number on the Wolfpack.
