Markell Johnson Leads NC State to 80-65 Win Over Vanderbilt, Kevin Keatts Picks up 100th Win

NC State defeated Vanderbilt 80-65 tonight in the Miami HoopHall Invitational to improve to 7-1 on the season for the second time since the 2006-07 season (2009-10 & 2014-15). The victory was the Wolfpack’s 1st over a Power 5 school this season.

In doing so, head coach Kevin Keatts picked up his 100th win, 8 games into his 5th season as a college basketball head coach.

The Wolfpack didn’t trail for a single second against the Commodores.

NC State’s defensive intensity staggered Vanderbilt:

Against NC State/Season Average Before Game

Points Scored: 60/87.8
Field Goal Percentage: 39.3%/49.3%
3-Point Percentage: 13.6%/37.8%
Rebounds: 33/43.2

Redshirt Sophomore DJ Funderburk was the standout for the Wolfpack in the 1st half, scoring all 16 of his points in the first period (5-10 FG).

Junior Point Guard Markell Johnson continued to look like a superstar. After returning from an injury with a knee brace on, Johnson scored 15 points in 3 minutes (6:40-2:41), with 12 of those being consecutive. He finished the night with 19 points (7-10 FG), 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Rebounding was a concern coming into the season, but NC State continues to out-rebound their opponents, snagging 13 more than Vandy.

The Wolfpack led by 12 at the half, and ended up winning by 15 points, more than doubling the 6-point spread.

The Wolfpack’s next game will be in Reynolds Coliseum on Wednesday night against Western Carolina, as NC State commemorates James T. Valvano Arena before the game.