NC State Blasts Mount Olive 113-73 in Exhibition Game

NC State blasted Mount Olive by 40 points yesterday, defeating the Trojans 113-73 in the Wolfpack’s one exhibition game before the season opener next Tuesday (November 5th), at home against Georgia Tech.

The Wolfpack had 3 players score 20+ points. Senior Point Guard Markell Johnson did whatever he wanted, finishing with 26 points (6-12 FG), 9 assists and 6 steals. Redshirt Senior Guard C.J. Bryce showed his versatility, splashing the box score for 20 points (8-13 FG), 10 rebounds (team lead), 6 assists and 4 steals. Redshirt Junior Guard Devon Daniels also chipped in 20 points (6-7 FG), with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

New addition Graduate Forward Pat Andree nearly joined the 20-point club, scoring 17 points, hitting 3 three-pointers, tying Johnson for the team high.

With Redshirt Junior D.J. Funderburk still suspended indefinitely, Redshirt Freshman Manny Bates saw significant playing time in his first collegiate game, and showed the difference maker he can be on the defensive end. Coming out of high school, Bates was one of the best shot blockers in the nation, and he blocked 6 shots yesterday (box score was wrong), and also scored 10 points on 5 of 6 shooting.

As a team, the Wolfpack played disruptive defense, forcing 24 turnovers. They also shot the ball extremely well at all three levels, shooting 52.7% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arch, and 83.3% from the free throw line.

Johnson, Bryce and Daniels accounted for 13 of NC State’s 15 steals. It’s encouraging to see your veteran guards leading the way in takeaways in an exhibition game.

Yesterday’s starting lineup probably won’t be what you see all year long.

G Markell Johnson
G C.J. Bryce
G Devon Daniels
F Jericole Hellems
F Manny Bates

Redshirt Junior D.J. Funderburk will likely start in the place of Bates when he returns from suspension. Redshirt Junior Guard Braxton Beverly has been a starter for the past two years, starting 55 of 66 games. He played limited minutes yesterday, coming into the game with a knee bruise. Hellems didn’t start a single game last season, and I don’t expect him to be a regular starter this season. Even though he started, Hellems only played 9 minutes after dinging up his shoulder in the game (should be fine).

Freshman Guard Dereon Seabron didn’t play yesterday, sitting on the bench yesterday in street clothes. Head Coach Kevin Keatts said after the game that Seabron turned his ankle in practice the other day. The x-rays were negative, and Keatts said he should be fine, but doesn’t know when he will return yet.

NC State will host Georgia Tech next Tuesday to open the season on ACC Network at 8:30pm.

Photo Credit