NC State Snaps 3-Game Losing Streak, Holding on to Beat Pitt 79-76 on the Road

NC State had a double-digit lead for the first time in ACC play this season, but that didn’t prevent today’s game at Pitt from coming down to the final seconds.

Redshirt Junior CJ Bryce did what Clemson’s Marcquise Reed couldn’t do when NC State hit a buzzer beater 2 weeks ago.

Reed missed 4 consecutive free throws with 13 seconds left in the game, opening the door for Braxton Beverly to sink a three with time expiring to give the Pack the victory.

In contrast, Bryce hit 3 of his 4 free throws with 9 seconds left on the clock.

Bryce has been NC State’s best player in conference play, and nothing changed in that regard today. He finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Bryce shot 6 of 11 from the field, 4 of 5 from beyond the arch, and 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. Today’s performance marks the second time he has scored over 20 points this season (23 against Notre Dame).

Four other Wolfpack players scored in double digits along side Bryce.

Sophomore Braxton Beverly hit 5 three-pointers for the 5th time in his career, and the third time this season. He was 5 of 9 from deep, paving the way to a 17 point performance.

Junior Markell Johnson’s performance was reminiscent of last year, when he led the ACC in assists. Johnson finished with 8 assists (2 turnovers), and 10 points, hitting 3 of his 6 three-point attempts. The last time he had 8 assists was on February 20th last year against Boston College.

Senior Torin Dorn and Redshirt Sophomore DJ Funderburk both scored in double figures as well, scoring 13 and 12 respectively. Dorn led the Pack with 8 rebounds, and Funderburk was a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line.

The Wolfpack didn’t shoot the ball well as a team from the field (40.6%), and didn’t do a great job preventing the Panthers from shooting well. Pitt shot 44.4% from three and 84.2% from the charity stripe (NC State – 61.9%).

So how did NC State do it?

The Wolfpack hit a season high 14 three pointers, connecting on 51.9% from deep range.

They only turned the ball over 10 times, and managed to turn Pitt over 15 times.

NC State also had 20 offensive rebounds compared to the Panthers 13.

Overall, NC State led for 28:28 of the 40 minutes of play.

Enjoy the Ice Cream up in Pittsburgh fellas.

Pack wins! pic.twitter.com/m3uz51rUzw

— NC State Men’s Bball (@PackMensBball) February 9, 2019

After snapping a losing streak, NC State will look to start a winning streak on Wednesday night, when the Wolfpack will host Syracuse for a 8pm tipoff.