Wisconsin Flops Their Way to A 79-75 Victory Over NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Prior to last night’s 79-75 loss to Wisconsin on the road in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, it was unknown whether this NC State team could hang with the big boys.

Despite the loss, it is clear they most definitely can.

Impressed with NC State in defeat. Kevin Keatts has a system and doesn’t waiver. Wolfpack play like Shaka Smart’s VCU teams from 2011-15.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 28, 2018

Tough place to play for a reason. No shame in that loss for State. Will learn more from that than the easy wins

— Joe Giglio (@jwgiglio) November 28, 2018

Beverly hits that straightaway three off the tip-out and State wins that game imo. Good performance. This team will be a tough out in conference.

— Mark Armstrong (@ArmstrongABC11) November 28, 2018

In fact, they didn’t simply hang with the Badgers. The Wolfpack led for 31:23, compared to Wisconsin’s 3:44.

They were poised and unintimidated in a hostile environment. They responded well when the Badger’s would make runs.

Junior point guard Markell Johnson looked like a star, scoring a career-high 21 points (9-17 FG), and chipping in 5 assists (team high).

Junior guard CJ Bryce played his best game since arriving at NC State, posting 18 points (6-11 FG) and 7 rebounds, scoring 14 of them in the second half, sinking clutch buckets at the end of the game.

RS Senior Guard Torin Dorn had a double-double, with 14 points (6-13 FG/2-3 3PT) and 11 rebounds.

The Wolfpack managed to out-rebound Wisconsin 36-30, and only turned the ball over 11 times.

What hurt the Pack was they uncharacteristically failed to force turnovers like they are accustomed to, taking the ball from the Badgers only 10 times.

They were also hurt by an obscene foul disparity. The referees blew the whistle on the Wolfpack 24 times, doubling the number of fouls called on the Badgers.

Wisconsin’s last foul was at 3:13 remaining

Second-to-last foul was with 10:14 remaining.

NC State committed 8 fouls during that same span. https://t.co/jGLX301JFr

— Rob McLamb (@RobMcLamb) November 28, 2018

Wisconsin guard Brad Davison should earn an Oscar for his acting performance on the 5 “charges” that he drew, with two of them coming against Torin Dorin and Markell Johnson with under 5 minutes to play.

Get this man a heating pad for that back! 😅@braddavi34 took FIVE charges tonight for @BadgerMBB, including a crucial one to help seal the win: pic.twitter.com/jwsk1g1WDA

— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) November 28, 2018

A total BS flop call just cost NC State this game

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) November 28, 2018

Both @Kenny_Mayne and @Buccigross called the “late charge” call against N.C. State “terrible” before firing up highlights pic.twitter.com/AwfrQCOul3

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 28, 2018

I still don’t understand how it’s legal to move in front of someone and undercut them in what’s supposed to be a freedom of movement, non-contact sport. Makes no sense. https://t.co/tw1F9nEOQ4

— Inside Pack Sports (@InsidePackSport) November 28, 2018

This is the same flop-artist that pulled this stunt a year ago.

Brutal end for Western Kentucky. Tie game with :02 left and Marek Nelson gets called for a charge on the inbounds despite the officials signal for “block”. Badgers Brad Davidson makes the winning FT. Wow. Wisconsin wins 81-80. pic.twitter.com/RFI37mu6Qs

— Joe Mazur (@joemazurabc11) December 14, 2017

Rant over…for now.

No one likes moral victories, but this was one. Sure, this would have been a great win on an NCAA Tournament resume, but the Wolfpack can hold their head high. The Wolfpack is only going to continue to gel. The mindset and effort is there.

NC State’s next game is on Saturday in the HoopHall Miami Invitational against Vanderbilt. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2