Virginia Tech-North Carolina State basketball preview

When: 9 p.m.

Where: RBC Center, Raleigh, N.C.

Television: ESPNU.

Radio: WWXT (92.7 FM), WWXX (94.3 FM), WTEM (980 AM).

Records: Hokies 18-4, 5-3 ACC; Wolfpack 14-10, 2-7.

Need strong start: In two of its most recent road losses, Virginia Tech has gotten off to sluggish starts and never caught up. The Hokies will need to start quickly against North Carolina State. They have not won in Raleigh since 1917, including a 0-3 record there since joining the ACC in 2004. Virginia Tech does not score enough points with an offensively challenged team, so it gets into trouble when it starts poorly. It fell behind early in losses at Florida State on Jan. 16 and at Miami on Jan. 31. But the Hokies will emphasize starting quickly Wednesday in a historically unfriendly environment.

Protecting the ball: A key to Virginia Tech's success has been its ability to win the turnover battle. The Hokies protect the ball and do a good job of forcing turnovers to create offense out of their defense, ranking first in the ACC with a plus-4.18 turnover margin. Forward Jeff Allen is particularly adept at forcing turnovers, ranking second in the league with 2.1 steals per game. And on their end, the Hokies have emphasized taking care of the ball this season under punishment of sprints in practice for poor ball handling. Virginia Tech does not have a smooth offense, so it is key for the Hokies to create points off turnovers.

-- Mark Viera