NC State Men’s Basketball team almost lost their lone exhibition game of the 2024-25 season this evening, defeating Lees-McRae 79-75.
After leading by 21 points in the first half, the Wolfpack allowed the Bobcats to crawl back, tying the game with 4:27 left in the 2nd half.
NC State’s defense stifled Lees-McRae in the 1st half, holding them to 24.1% shooting from the field. The same can’t be said of the 2nd half, when the Bobcats scored at will, shooting 57.9% in the final 20 minutes.
It didn’t help that the Wolfpack shot 38.7% from the field on the night, and 20% from beyond the arc.
NC State managed to win a game in which their opponent shot better than them (43.3%), and lost the turnover battle. The Wolfpack turned the Bobcats over 16 times, which is impressive, but they handed the ball over 19 times.
When it comes down to it, NC State managed to walk out of the Lenovo Center with a win because they shot 15 more free throws, and made 14 more.
Senior Guard Jayden Taylor led the Pack with 12 points, even though he only shot 2 of 11 from the field. Taylor was the only player to score in double figures, which is definitely concerning. He also led the team in assists and steals, with 5 and 3 respectively.
Senior Guard Dontrez Styles led NC State with 9 rebounds, and also chipped in 9 points of his own (1-6 FG).
Senior Guard Breon Pass was dependable, scoring 9 points, shooting 3 of 4 from the field, and 1 of 2 from three in 16 minutes of play.
It is worth noting that NC State was without Sophomore Dennis Parker Jr. and Junior Mike James this evening.
Here’s a look at the Wolfpack’s starting lineup last night with Parker Jr. and James absent:
G Michael O’Connell
G Marcus Hill
G Jayden Taylor
G Dontrez Styles
F Brandon Huntley-Hatfield
The Wolfpack will get their regular season started next Monday night at 7pm against USC Upstate.