Some things just don’t want to change.
NC State entered tonight’s contest with an audacious 6-22 record in Joel Coliseum.
Make that 6-23. The Wolfpack fell 71-67 to the Demon Deacons tonight.
Someone cursed NC State years ago on a trip to Winston Salem, and they haven’t been able to find a way to break the hex.
Sure, the Wolfpack was without injured Junior Point Guard Markell Johnson, but that shouldn’t have equaled a 15-point deficit at the half, which is the largest NC State has trailed at the break under Kevin Keatts.
Johnson, when on his game, is one of the best in the conference, but his absence shouldn’t equal 37% shooting from the field and 20.7% from beyond the arch.
Halftime wasn’t the worst of it.
NC State was down by 22 points (51-29) with 17:31 left in the second half, but the Wolfpack wouldn’t go down easy.
The Wolfpack went on a 19-2 run shortly after, and eventually tied the game with 7:46 left in the game.
Unfortunately, NC State would miss it’s next 8 shots.
The game came down to the wire, but unfortunately the poor shot selection that plagued the Wolfpack in the 1st half crept back after they tied the game.
Markell Johnson has been the king of the 2nd half this year, and his presence definitely was missed, but I’m not making excuses.
Senior Torin Dorn led the Pack in scoring and rebounding with 18 points and 8 rebounds.
Redshirt Junior CJ Bryce was the only other player in double-figures, chipping in 17.
With Johnson out, the Wolfpack needed the likes of Braxton Beverly, Devon Daniels, DJ Funderburk or even Eric Lockett to step up. The four of them combined to shoot an atrocious 11-36.
NC State actually beat Wake on the Offensive glass, and took better care of the ball, turning the ball over only 9 times, compared to the Deac’s 11.
Where did the Wolfpack choke?
They only turned Wake Forest over 11 times and the sent them to the free throw line for 28 shots, compared to their 9. did I mention they shot bad…like, real bad?
My emotions are so confused currently. I was beyond irate to be down 15 at the half. Decided I hated sports when we were down 22. Started doing what I’ve done my whole life…”If we get it down to a 10-point deficit with 10 left…we have a chance.” I got Buddy the Elf-esque excited when the Wolfpack tied the game. Proceeded to start saying mean things towards the television at each shot by a Wolfpack player thereafter.
Losses are a part of the game. With that being said, in no world should NC State lose 6 of the last 7 games in Joel Coliseum, but that’s reality.
Am I happy NC State crawled back? Do I wish it would have been a blow out?
I can’t answer the question.
The Wolfpack’s next game is against Notre Dame on Saturday at 2pm on the road on Raycom.