RECAP | NC State’s takes out FSU in ACC Opener, 84-74 (OT)

NC State needed this one badly, and in the end, they got it.

But this wasn’t just one win for the Wolfpack, it was much more. They broke a 3 game losing streak. They opened up conference play, at home, with a win. And they found out who they can count on when the going gets tough.

I think we all need to get used to the fact that in the NIL/Portal era, the beginning of most seasons are going to be bumpy if a majority of your team is pieced together in the offseason. A lot of guys trying to figure out their roles, adjusting to new levels and just getting used to playing together.

Tonight showed that NC State is starting to find itself, and it’s thanks to the emergence of Dontrez Styles, Marcus Hill, and the returner Ben Middlebrooks.

NC State had a lead most of the game, but squandered chances to really put FSU on their heels. It felt like whenever NC State was going to make a run, FSU answered (and most of the time it was due to a Wolfpack miscue.)

NC State was able to keep the lead thanks to some elite lane finishing by Marcus Hill and some long-range shooting from Breon Pass.

However, the Noles eventually chipped away enough, and Ewin went on a run of his own, putting FSU up 6 with about 4 minutes to play.

That is when Dontrez Styles decided he had to take things into his own hands. Late in the second half, Styles stepped up, grabbing offensive boards and knocking down 3s when it mattered most.

I also think Ben Middlebrooks has won the starting job with his physicality, toughness, and relentlessness in the post. His stat line wasn’t pretty tonight, but he went up against an absolute monster in FSU’s 6’11 Malique Ewin. Ewin scored 23 points and had 9 rebounds, but it would have been much worse without Ben. Ewin’s easiest buckets came against Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, who just didn’t seem up to the task physically.

The game went into overtime where Dontrez Styles took over again. A 3, a steal and a layup gave NC State an early 5-point lead in the extra period, and they didn’t look back, winning 84-74.

Styles finished with  21pts and 5 boards, he was 3-7 from 3pt range

Hill had 23 pts, 6 boards, and 2 assists

Jaden Taylor also added 14 pts and 4 boards and really turned it around after a poor start.

NC State is now 1-0 in conference and 6-3 overall.

Next up is Coppin State on Tuesday, followed by #1 Kansas next Saturday.

We’ll have more on this game shortly.