SYRACUSE, N.Y. - At first glance, it seems like just another Atlantic Coast Conference game - North Carolina State vs. Louisville.
Except it isn't. The winner advances to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament and the loser goes home.
"Even though it's the Sweet 16 game, it's pretty much a league game. We knew at some point we would play an ACC team, and we're ready for it," North Carolina State guard Cat Barber said after practice Thursday. "Our league prepares you for the moment."
The Wolfpack (22-13), the eighth seed in the East, meets fourth-seeded Louisville (26-8) tonight in the Carrier Dome in a matchup of teams somewhat familiar with each other. The Wolfpack had the upper hand against the Cardinals in Louisville's first season in the conference, beating them 74-65 on Feb. 14 in the difficult atmosphere of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.
"We have great respect for them," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. "They beat us at home. A lot of teams don't beat us at home. It was a close game, and then they pulled away. They're a team right now that can beat you so many different ways."
Louisville is in the Sweet 16 for a school-record fourth straight year under Pitino.