What a result and a spirited effort on both sides of the ball for the Pack tonight as they took down bitter rival UNC. Not only did State play great defense but the history books will forever back up tonight’s effort as they held UNC to the fewest points they have ever scored in the Dean Dome. That is not a hyperbole and yes it may take a moment for that to sink in. This game was a microcosm for NC State this season as they held a big lead (16 at one point) only to let the opponent claw back (within 2), but this time they found the way to win. Trevor Lacey stated after the game,” We are learning how to win.” This team has certainly played great basketball of late; currently on a 3 game win streak. Another impressive feat for this team is that they are now 4-3 on the road in the ACC with wins at Louisville and UNC.

There were plenty of big moments in this game as State found a way each time to quiet a ruckus crowd. I had a front row view tonight and must give the UNC fans credit as it was almost impossible to hear as they made their run in the second half. During that run State had to burn a couple of time-outs just to get themselves steadied after UNC delivered some big haymakers. In the second half UNC turned up the defensive pressure which the Pack struggled with, only to find the soft spots in the greatest time of need. Coach Gottfried coached an excellent game and made a key sub in Dez Lee to help counter the hectic run and jump defense of the heels. In my opinion Dez deserves a ton of credit as he settled the Pack with two big free throws when it seemed like State could not score. Those two points seemed to give the Pack a lift and confidence to finish the job.

Cat Barber was great again as he used his speed and quickness to attack UNC in the paint. He also hit some tough shots as the shot clock approached zero. On the night he finished with 15 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. Not only was he instrumental on offense but he was tasked with chasing Marcus Paige around all night. How did he fare? Paige finished the game with 7 points on 3-8 shooting. Finally NC State was able to remove this notorious thorn from their side. Cat was a main reason why Paige could not find any daylight. Trevor Lacey was also big time and continues to support the statistics that he is the best 1 on 1 scorer in college basketball. Tonight he found a way to beat the longer more athletic Tokoto.

The punctuation mark came when Lacey caught the ball at the top of the key, as he looked to shoot the three ball he saw an opening…He drives right into the paint with Tokoto on his back to finish a difficult layup as Tokoto fouls him. He then calmly steps to the line and sinks the free throw. Trevor finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Talk about filling the stat sheet. Lacey and Barber were the dynamic duo tonight but Ralston “Freeze” Turner hit some insanely big three pointers that all came at crucial points in the game. In the midst of a flurry of turnovers that led to UNC fast break points, Ralston was able to hit a couple of threes that silenced the UNC faithful. State does not win this game without Ralston and his outside shooting. Turner finished the game with 14 points on 4-8 shooting from distance.

A win on the road against the 15th ranked Tarheels does wonders for our program. It should give our players a confidence boost knowing that they can win in a hostile environment. Not only does this win solidify the fact that NC State Basketball is on the upswing but it does wonders for our NCAA resume. I can confidently say with tonight’s win we are firmly in the field of 68, but let’s pump the brakes as we must regain focus and beat Boston College. I am all for enjoying the win tonight and tomorrow, yet there is still lots of work to be done. Tonight NC State succeeded in accomplishing a feat that is nothing to trivialize and that is beating both Duke and UNC. I said it before the only way we can gain respect is to beat these two team and thus far we have.  There is no doubt that this team is getting better and nothing supports that fact better than waltzing into Chapel Hill and leaving with a win.

There is no better sight than a Red Bell Tower…especially it being lit after a win against North Carolina.