NC State beat USC Upstate 98-71 to improve to 11-1 on the year, but the leaders of the Pack weren’t who you would expect.
Coach Keatts subbed in his 2nd team of five at the 16 minute mark in the 1st half. He brought his starters back in with 11:22 left in the 1st.
Their time on the court would be short lived. They were sloppy on defense, allowing USC Upstate to go on a 6-0 run in a 1:25 span.
As a result, the “starters” were pulled, and the “2nd team” was thrown back into the game.
NC State led by 18 points (50-32) at the half, but that couldn’t wipe the scowl off of Kevin Keatts’ face.
Sending a message, and rewarding effort, Devon Daniels, Eric Lockett, DJ Funderburk, Blake Harris, and Jericole Hellems started the second half.
Plain and simple…NC State was better against USC Upstate when starters Torin Dorn, Markell Johnson, and CJ Bryce weren’t in the game.
Look at the +/- column on the far right for proof. The top 5 players started the game, and the bottom 5 came off the bench.
The “bench” scored 62 points today, which was the highest output of the season, and the most since the 1999-2000 season.
Graduate Senior Eric Lockett, who didn’t play a second in the Auburn game, led the Wolfpack in scoring and rebounds with 15 points and 8 rebounds (tied with Devon Daniels).
Redshirt Sophomore Devon Daniels didn’t shoot the ball efficiently (4-11 FG), but he finished with 13 points and 8 rebounds, and boasted the best +/- of the game (+39).
Redshirt Sophomore DJ Funderburk (4-7 FG) and Freshman Jericole Hellems (6-14 FG & 6 rebounds) both had 13 points as well.
Redshirt Sophomore Blake Harris led the Wolfpack with 8 assists, and also added in 8 points of his own (3-4 FG).
If Harris had scored two more points, the NC State bench would have all been in double-figures.
What the “2nd team” put on film wasn’t always artwork, but it was pure effort and hustle. NC State turned the ball over 15 times, but forced USC Upstate to turn it over 21 times.
The Wolfpack was unselfish today, recording 23 assists on 36 field goals.
Honestly, all 10 players on the roster could start on any given night, and they would deserve it.
NC State beat a team by 27 points this afternoon, and CJ Bryce, Markell Johnson and Braxton Beverly combined for 13 points.
Chalk that up as a big win for the Wolfpack.
NC State’s next game will be at home against Loyola University Maryland on December 28th at 7pm.