NC State Trounces Syracuse 73-58 in a STATEMENT Victory

Last night’s victory 73-58 over Syracuse was a resume builder for NC State.

Both teams shot the ball poorly in the 1st half (NC State – 37%/Syracuse – 31%), with the Wolfpack holding a mere 3-point lead at the break.

The 2nd half was a different story, at least for the Wolfpack. NC State shot 64% from the field in the 2nd half, while the Orangemen only managed to shoot 39%.

Sophomore Braxton Beverly’s had the hot hand in both halves, finishing with 21 points, which tied his career-high. Beverly was 4 of 8 from deep, and a perfect 9 for 9 from the free throw line.

The Captain has been en fuego here recently, shooting 59% from three (13/22) the past 3 games, after going 0-9 against Virginia Tech. He is shooting 39.3% from beyond the arch on the year.

Beverly’s 4 assists were 2nd on the team behind Junior Markell Johnson’s 5.

Torin Dorn’s ability to slip into the middle of Syracuse’s zone defense was crucial. The Senior finished with his 5th double-double of the season, scoring 16 points (14 in the 2nd half) and snagging 12 boards (season-high).

Redshirt Sophomore DJ Funderburk was the third member of the Wolfpack in double figures, finishing with 12 points (3-4 FG).

Last night’s victory was one of the Wolfpack’s most unselfish games of the year, and their best defensive effort according to head coach Kevin Keatts.

NC State had 19 assists on 24 made field goals (best ratio of the year), and held Syracuse to 35% shooting from the field.

(Let’s simply ignore the fact that the Wolfpack turned the ball over 20 times.)

The Wolfpack finished the game shooting 49% from the field, and an uncharacteristic 83.3% from the free-throw line (20-24).

The 15-point margin of victory is the largest in conference play this year, and it’s worth noting that the only two ACC games in which the Wolfpack have led by double digits are the past two.

NC State is now 18-7 overall, and 6-6 in the ACC. After a 3-game losing streak, the Wolfpack will look to shock the world, and make it a 3-game winning streak with a victory at Duke at 6pm.