NC State 81 Presbyterian 72: BY THE NUMBERS

NC State defeated Presbyterian 81-72 this evening in the Lenovo Center, improving to 2-0. Here’s a look at the game by the numbers.

The Wolfpack shot the ball extremely well tonight, hitting 55.4% from the field, and 36.8% from three. While NC State shot better than Presbyterian, I’m sure Kevin Keatts wasn’t pleased with the way his team played defense. Presbyterian shot 50% from the field and 33% from three.

Shooting the ball better than the other team is obviously the most statistical category that leads to victory.

The 2nd most important statistical factor in winning is winning the turnover battle. NC State turned Presbyterian 15 times, and committed 12 of their own. As a result, the Wolfpack scored 19 points off of turnovers, compared to Presbyterian’s 13.

Coming in 3rd is Offensive Rebounding percentage. 2nd chance points is a key factor in putting a W in the win column. NC State lost this statistical category this evening.  Presbyterian had 11 offensive rebounds, which led to 15 second chance points. NC State had 10 offensive rebounds, which led to 12 second chance points.

The 4th statistical factor that leads to victory is the free throw line. NC State had 19 free throw attempts, compared to Presbyterian’s 16. Presbyterian shot 68% from the charity stripe, while the Wolfpack shot 63%.

NC State was unselfish once again, with 18 assists on 31 field goals.

Senior Guard Jayden Taylor led the Wolfpack in scoring and steals, with 19 points (7-14 FG) and 5 steals.

Senior Guard/Forward Dontrez Styles led NC State in rebounds and blocks, with 7 boards and 2 blocks. He also had 9 points (4-9 FG).

Senior Guard Michael O’Connell led the Wolfpack with 8 assists, and only turned the ball over 1 time. That’s outstanding. He also had 11 points, shooting 4 of 7 from the field, and 2 of 4 from three.

Senior Forward Ben Middlebrooks came off the bench like a firecracker, scoring 16 points (6-7 FG/1-1 3PT) in only 19 minutes of play. What makes those numbers all the more impressive, is the fact that he scored all 16 of his points in the 2nd half.

Senior Forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield had 11 points (5-6 FG) and 6 rebounds.

Senior Guard Marcus Hill had 5 assists and only 1 turnover. To start the season, the Wolfpack is basically starting two Point Guards in O’Connell and Hill. Between the two of them, they had 13 assists and 2 turnovers. That’s impressive.

NC State didn’t cover the spread this evening. They were 21.5-point favorites, and won by 9. The Total went Over. The Total was 152.5, and the two teams combined to score 153 points. That was cutting it close.

The Wolfpack will be back in action next Wednesday night against Coastal Carolina at 7pm on ACC Network Extra.