X Factor: Duke men's basketball vs. N.C. State

A big second-half surge propelled Duke past Miami Saturday to snap a two-game losing streak, but the Blue Devils do not have much time to rest before hosting N.C. State Monday night at 7. The Blue Zone takes a look at a player from each team who could be the difference-maker in the game.

Duke: Center Marques Bolden

After piecing together his best game of the season against Miami, Bolden could be the difference for Duke defensively moving forward. With most of the Wolfpack offense likely to come from point guard Dennis Smith Jr. running the pick-and-roll, having Bolden play like he did against the Hurricanes would help the Blue Devils immensely.

By successfully hedging on screens and protecting the rim effectively, Bolden was one of the catalysts for Duke's comeback Saturday. Not only does the freshman from DeSoto, Texas, offer the Blue Devils interior protection, Bolden’s skills on the glass could result in additional possessions to keep the ball out of the hands of a high-powered Wolfpack offense.

Although Bolden has not been the low-post presence offensively that many expected from the nation’s top recruit at his position, the 6-foot-11 rookie offers fresh legs and intensity off of the bench in relief of Amile Jefferson and Harry Giles.

N.C. State: Guard Maverick Rowan

With Duke willing to throw different defensive looks at their opponents to take away what they do best, the best way to shut down even the most masterful defensive gameplan is to simply knock down shots from the perimeter.

Maverick Rowan enters Monday’s game shooting 46.7 percent from the field and a healthy 41.8 percent from beyond the arc, providing the Wolfpack with a secondary offensive option to Dennis Smith Jr. to help shoulder the load. The sophomore’s ability to both drive into the lane and be a catch-and-shoot specialist could give Duke headaches, particularly against some of the Blue Devils' more defensively challenged guards like Luke Kennard.