After defeating Virginia 76-60 this afternoon, NC State has now started ACC play with a 3-0 record for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The Wolfpack were 1.5-point favorites, but they ultimately obliterated the spread.
The Cavaliers were holding opponents to 55.6 points per game heading into the matchup, and 38% shooting from the field. NC State blew those numbers out of the water, scoring 76 points, while shooting 49.1% from the field.
The Wolfpack started off extremely slow offensively, which is customary for anyone who plays UVA. The Cavaliers led for roughly the first 15 minutes of the game, but after NC State took the lead with 4:29 left in the 1st half, they would never trail again.
NC State was led by a player who is from the state of Virginia, with Freshman Dennis Parker Jr. scoring a team high 15 points, shooting 5 of 8 from the field, and 3 of 5 from three. Junior Jayden Taylor came on strong in the second half, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the 2nd (4-9 FG).
Senior DJ Horne was the other NC State player in double figures, scoring 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting. He also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Senior DJ Burns might have only scored 6 points (3-6 FG), but he was 2nd on the team with 4 assists. Honestly, that number doesn’t tell the story. The offense ran through Burns, and his passing ability was the key to the movement of the Wolfpack’s offense.
Senior Michael O’Connell continues to impress, leading NC State with 5 assists and 0 turnovers.
The Wolfpack’s bench was outstanding today, scoring 21 points, compared to UVA’s 8. O’Connell had 6, Junior Ben Middlebrooks had 8 and Sophomore MJ Rice had 7.
Overall, a statement win by the Wolfpack heading into a rivalry game against UNC.