Notes heading into N.C. State

If you look at the box score you'll see that N.C. State forward Tracy Smith scored 18 points in the Wolfpack's 88-64 loss to the Terps at Comcast Center last month. But that's a deceptive number. Smith had only six in a first half in which Maryland built a solid lead. By my tally, he didn't attempt his second shot of the game until 3:30 remained in the first half. By then, the game was just about out of hand. So I'd look for the Terps to again double Smith whenever feasible in tonight's rematch in Raleigh. He is their ace. He tops the ACC in field goal percentage (.549) and is a consistent scorer. Other notes: --N.C. State has lost four games in a row. The Wolfpack’s biggest win was an 88-74 home victory over Duke on Jan. 20. --The Terps have beaten the Wolfpack six straight times. --Maryland will be playing its third game in five days.