Highlights: NC State vs Clemson

It was an unusual game from the perspective that State pulled out the victory despite Cat Barber not reaching double figures on the day. It was the trio of Maverick Rowan, Caleb Martin, and Malik Abu that carried the Wolfpack to victory. Rowan scored 20 points, pouring in 17 in the second half. He came up with big answers on the offensive end as Cat Barber was bottled up by the Tigers. It was quickly apparent that Rowan was in the zone when he hit a tough step back three pointer, he then went on to pull an arrow out and acted like he was an archer. I’ve seen lots of animations after made three pointers, but an archer was a first.

The Tigers were simply out hustled by an enthusiastic Wolfpack team, NC State pounded them on the glass as they held the advantage 43-30. Malik Abu turned in another monster double double scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, 8 offensive. Not to be overlooked was Caleb Martin, scoring 16 points off the bench and grabbing 6 rebounds. I have been pleased with his attitude and mindset coming off the bench. He has been solid at providing a lift in his 6th man role.

It was a good win for NC State over a team that was looking to notch their 10th ACC win on the season. Blossomgame was better than advertised as he was a mismatch nightmare for Gottfried, on the day he finished with 33 points. The Pack just didn’t have an answer as they threw Freeman, Abu, and Cody Martin on him. Freeman and Abu were too slow and Cody was too small. Hats off to Blossomgame on the great game, luckily it wasn’t enough.

The Wolfpack will take the court again this Wednesday as they host UNC. The Pack will need to have Barber snap out of his mini two game slump and have his teammates play like they did yesterday. I never like to see a player struggle but State proved they have talent beyond Cat, it’s just a question of will they show up?

Check out the ACC Digital Networks highlights of yesterday’s game below: