Virginia’s 2nd Half Explosion Cripples NC State, Wolfpack Fall 76-56

NC State might have led by 2 at halftime, but Virginia exploded in the 2nd half, putting the Wolfpack away 76-56 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

Redshirt Sophomore DJ Funderburk was the star of the 1st half for the Wolfpack, scoring 10 points. Unfortunately, after getting poked in the eye, and being underutilized when he returned, he only scored 2 more points in the contest.

So NC State led by 2 points at halftime, and lost by 20 points…what gives?

Welp.

NC State didn’t tank offensively in the 2nd half. In fact, you could argue they were better.  The Wolfpack shot 39% in the first half, and 38% in the 2nd, but they went from 0% in the 1st from beyond the arch, to 25% in the 2nd half.

On the other hand, the Wolfpack shut down the Cavaliers in the 1st, but there was no stopping Virginia in the 2nd half. They shot 42% in the 1st from the field, and 63% in the 2nd, and 36% from beyond the arch in the 1st, and 60% in the 2nd.

Virginia’s Kyle Guy was pure fire, finishing the day with 29 points, propped up by 7 three-pointers.

Also, the Cavaliers big fella Jack Salt, who typically is non-existent, splashed the box score today. Salt finished with 18 points today. For perspective, Salt had 18 combined points in the past 10 games.

Despite leading at the half, Virginia nearly beat NC State in nearly every single statistical category.

The Wolfpack’s Markell Johnson led the Pack in scoring with 13 points (4-9 FG).

All NC State can do now is sit back and wait for selection Sunday.