Wolfpack Cages Cardinals 74-65

The  Pack finally managed to hold on in the second half as they used Louisville’s aggression to their advantage. Cat Barber was outstanding as he finished with a game high 21 points, 4 assists, and only 2 TO’s. By attacking the press Cat was able to draw the Cardinals out of position, this led to him to be able to dish to Anya who had some thunderous dunks in traffic. I am extremely pleased with the heart and guts that Cat has shown over the past 5 games. He has been using his strengths and playing within himself by using his outstanding quickness and speed to beat defenders to the basket. The most improved part of Cat’s game in this 5 game stretch has been his ability to finish among the trees. His focus and use of the hesitation has allowed him the daylight to convert inside. Today Cat was 10-13 at the charity stripe. If he keeps attacking the paint there is no reason why this outstanding play cannot continue.

Cat was a catalyst but he was not alone. Trevor Lacey provided the usual fireworks off of the dribble hitting some tough shots in crucial times to help keep Louisville from evening the contest in the second half. Lacey finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Not only did Trevor push the pace off of the press but he did an excellent job at slowing the tempo to settle the Pack as the Cardinals mounted their comeback. This was the first game that I have had a confidence in our guys that they would walk away with a win. Contributions came from each player that stepped foot on the floor. Caleb Martin came away with a beautiful lob pass that he converted from Lacey, and then on the next possession hit a big three in the corner.

At times it was a struggle for either team to come away with points, but make no mistake about it the Wolfpack was the better defensive team today. We battled the Cardinals on every possession and even beat them on the glass posting a plus 10 advantage. The reason NC State came away with the win is because they decided that they were going to stifle the Cardinals by not allowing them any easy buckets. Every drive by their star Harrell was contested and played straight up. Harrell only manged 7 points on the day, well below his average of 15. The Pack was not simply satisfied with taking Harrell away but made life difficult for the leading scorer in the ACC; Terry Rozier. Rozier had to watch the last 4 minutes from the bench as he fouled out. On the day Rozier was 3-11 from the field and only registered 7 points. Yes, the leading scorer in the ACC at 18.5 points per didn’t even make it into double figures. This intensity and desire must be matched each and every game from this point on if the Pack wants a chance at the NCAA.

Today’s performance is exactly what makes this season so dumbfounding. How can we go into a hostile environment and beat a top 10 team at their own game? How can we out rebound a team that has bullied so many teams thus far and then have  so many games slip away just as it looks like we are building some momentum? Let’s look forward though, 5 games  remain and nothing is set in stone in the ultra competitive ACC. State must use today as a confidence builder and come out next Saturday and demoralize the Hokies. There cannot be anymore playing down to the competition. There cannot be anymore slow starts. This is the time of the season where we must have that killer instinct and prove that we deserve to be in the NCAA Tournament.

NC State has to forget about this win and have a great week in practice and be ready to win in the PNC this coming Saturday versus Virginia Tech. Game is slated for a 6PM tip.

Side Note: How sweet were the black jersey’s? Personally I loved them and I know the guys were amped to be wearing the black threads and gold shoes.