DJ Burns Leads NC State to a 70-66 Victory Over Vanderbilt: BOX SCORE with NOTES

Player of the Game: D.J. Burns.

The big fella had 18 points (6-9 FG), 9 rebounds and 3 assists. He was a perfect 6 of 6 from the charity stripe. What’s most significant about his performance is the fact that 14 of his points and 8 of his boards came in the second half. He was the heart of this team tonight.

Terquavion Smith had 16 points, but 14 of them came in the first half. He was 0-8 in the 2nd half, and 6 of 20 on the night. He did lead the team with 5 assists and 3 steals.

Casey Morsell finished with 15 points, but like Burns, he was big in the 2nd half when Smith and Joiner combined for 7 points. 12 of Morsell’s points came in the 2nd half.

Jarkel Joiner did finish with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

On a night in which the Wolfpack shot 41.4% from the field, they found a way to win. They out-rebounded Vandy 38-30, and got to the free throw line more than Commodore’s (20-14).

As a team, NC State had more offensive rebounds, got to the free throw line more, and turned the ball over less than Vandy.

Burns was also the emotional leader on the court in the 2nd half. This was a must win game for NC State, and they found a way to win running through D.J. Burns, and I’m here for it.

NC State is now done with their non-conference slate, and they head into ACC play with a 10-3 record. The Wolfpack will host Louisville on Thursday at 7pm in PNC Arena.