NC State Advances

When the game was in question Maverick Rowan found his stroke, knocking down three big time threes in the span of one minute and 26 seconds. The freshman proved his worth as the Wolfpack would be on their way home, if it were not for his big second half. In total Rowan tallied a game high 24 points, shooting 6-13 from beyond the arc.

Not only was Rowan key but Cat Barber was steady in leading the Wolfpack. Barber did a fine job at settling down and running the offense and trusting Rowan’s hot hand. It was Barber who set some nice screens to free Rowan, and it was Barber who knocked down key free throws down the stretch. Cat finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Mark Gottfried commended his team for not throwing in the towel, and for staying in the game. This group fought through rough patches, and stayed together in a game that featured 15 ties and 16 lead changes. It’s no secret that the Pack have played in tight games all season, that experience could pay big divendends down the road.

NC State will have a quick turnaround as they must be ready to face the 5th seeded Duke Blue Devils tomorrow at 2:30. Coach Gottfried told his group that they have to be ready to cut off penetration. Grayson Allen and Brandon Ingram are going to try their best to drive the ball to the paint, if NC State stands any chance they have to cut off the dribble drive. Duke thrives on penetration and the problems it causes when defenses rotate to help, all of the rotations usually leaves a man unmarked on the perimeter. Duke has players in Kennard, Allen, Jones, and Ingram that compounds the issue of leaving players open from outside.

Check out highlights from today’s game below brought to you by the ACC Digital Network.