NC State 72 Colgate 49: BY THE NUMBERS

The Wolfpack Men’s Basketball team improved to 4-0 tonight, defeating Colgate 72-49 in the Lenovo Center. Here’s a look at NC State’s victory BY THE NUMBERS.

The Wolfpack’s defense was spectacular tonight, holding the Raiders to 33.3% from the field and 19.2% from three. They also didn’t recklessly send their opponent to the free throw line. Colgate only shot 5 free throws the entire night (2-5).

NC State shot the ball at a decent clip, making 44.4% from the field. They also made their home at the charity stripe, making 21 of 26.

The Wolfpack forced 16 turnovers, scoring 17 points off of turnovers. The Raiders forced NC State to commit 12 turnovers, but only turned them into 4 points.

Despite the fact that Colgate had 4 more offensive boards (9-5), NC State managed to score 9 second chance points, compared to the Raiders’ 6.

Senior Forward Ben Middlebrooks came off the bench to lead the Wolfpack with 19 points in 16 minutes of play, making 5 of 8 from the field. This marks the first time this season that Middlebrooks has led NC State in scoring. He was a perfect 9 of 9 from the free throw line. Middlebrooks also led the team with 3 blocks.

Four different players have led NC State in scoring through 4 games:

Jaden Taylor – 2x
Ben Middlebrooks – 1x
Breon Pass – 1x
Marcus Hill – 1x
Senior Guard Marcus Hill – 1x

Senior Guard Marcus Hill was very impressive, with 17 points (6-10 FG) and 5 boards.

Senior Forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield was the 3rd NC State player to score in double figures, with 11 points, shooting 4 of 8. I continually think that BHH needs to get more touches in the paint.

For the 2nd consecutive game, and 2nd time this year, Senior Forward/Guard Dontrez Styles led the Wolfpack in rebounds, snagging 11 boards, which was a season high.

Senior Guard Michael O’Connell led the Pack with 4 assists, and impressively didn’t turn the ball over a single time.

For the 2nd time this season, NC State covered the spread. The Wolfpack entered the game as 12.5-point favorites, and won by 23. The Total went Under. The two teams combined to score 121, and the Total was set at 149.5.