NC State Suffers 2nd Straight Historic Loss, Falling to UNC 113-96

Make that two historic losses in a row.

After the worst shooting performance in ACC history against Virginia Tech, NC State clapped back with an outpouring of 96 points against the Tar Heels in the Dean Dome last night. That’s the most points scored against UNC this year. The Wolfpack shot 50% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arch (compared to UNC’s 38.1%) and only turned the ball over 11 times, compared to UNC’s 17.

NC State scored 72 more points last night than they did on Saturday against Virginia Tech. That might be a record, but that’s not the history I’m talking about.

On Saturday against Virginia Tech, the Wolfpack’s offense was historically bad. Last night, NC State’s defense was historically bad.

UNC scored 113 points.

• The most points the Tar Heels have ever scored against the Wolfpack.
• The 2nd most points ever scored against NC State.
• The most points UNC has scored in regulation since 1968 (115 – Clemson).

NC State allowed UNC to shoot 56% from the field. A 6% differential doesn’t equal a 17 point loss (Let’s be real…it was worse than that. The Tar Heels were up by 28 at one point).

For one…the Wolfpack continued their foul happy ways, and allowed UNC to make 31 free throws (out of 37), compared to 15 made free throws of their own.

Two…Luke Maye might as well be a greek god when he plays against NC State, finishing with 31 points and 12 rebounds, becoming the only player in UNC history to score 30+ points against NC State three times in their career (MORE HISTORY).

Three…the Wolfpack’s transition defense was non-existent. UNC had 20 fast break points compared to NC State’s 6.

Four…UNC has playmakers, but they shared the ball beautifully, finishing the night with 26 assists.

In my opinion, the only two players in Red that looked liked they belonged on the court were Braxton Beverly and CJ Bryce. Beverly finished with a team-high 17 points (5-7 FG/4-5 3PT), and Bryce finished with 15 points (6-12 FG).

I know Kevin Keatts’ team plays harder than past NC State teams, but UNC played harder last night. They ran faster. They were on the ground for loose balls. They were more aggressive.

Here’s the truth: NC State was overrated coming out of Non-Conference play. Also, they have shown some grit in ACC play, but have been behind by double digits in the 2nd half in 7 of their 10 ACC games.

Here’s another truth: They showed against UNC and UVA at home that they are still capable of much better than they put on the court last night.