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NC State Basketball

Giant Slayers: Pack Knocks off #1 Nova 71-68

Published

9 years ago

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NC State used every ounce of their talent to take down the #1 seed Villanova Wildcats. There were countless plays from everyone that saw action tonight that helped seal the deal. Cat Barber was excellent in controlling the pace and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to keep Villanova behind. NC State found the resiliency needed to withstand a hot hand by Darrun Hillard who poured in a game high 27 points. It seemed on a number of times that State would have a stress free last few minutes but Hillard was absolutely amazing in making deep three pointers that kept this game interesting, but State came away with the answer each and every time! Trevor Lacey was outstanding as he hit tough shot after tough shot in some of the biggest moments in the game. This game was a great example of why it is critical to have a player of his caliber that is capable of creating his own shot. Lacey ended the first half with a behind the back step back three at the buzzer to silence a run by the Wildcats. Then in the second half he hit a big time “and one” layup and a couple of tough mid-range jumpers that took the air out of the Wildcat’s sails!

All in all this is a great example of how a team that plays together can accomplish much more than a team full of individuals. I have said it all year long that this team is comprised of a great group of guys who compliment each other seamlessly. I want to point out just how special Dez Lee has been for this team, he has sacrificed a lot of minutes this season as Gottfried and his staff have chosen to give Caleb Martin more minutes which should benefit the program moving forward; however, Dez has not pouted one bit and he has stayed ready. Tonight his number was called again to be a spark and he was more than ready to contribute. He was all over the court defensively and took it to the hoop with power and converted a couple of big baskets for the Pack. Also not to be overshadowed Caleb Martin made the most of his limited minutes as he hit a big three pointer as he was fouled and finished the seldom seen four point play.

At the beginning of the season and even late in the season our big men have been seen as a weakness, but tonight they were terrific. Abu has gotten better and better as his role has expanded offensively. Tonight Abu worked his tail off and finished the evening with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Lennard Freeman showed off his versatility defensively as he was asked to guard on the perimeter as Villanova went with a four guard lineup and held his own. Freeman also had a double-double as he tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds. The hero of last game BeeJay Anya had a quiet night in the stat book but was a big time presence underneath as he altered many attempts. He also hedged beautifully on ball screens and contested shooters all night. It is a great testament to our staff for the improvement of our big men throughout the season.

I am completely ecstatic about the experience this team is about to have being in the sweet sixteen. My junior year I was lucky enough to make it to the sweet sixteen and it is an atmosphere like none other. Looking ahead I like our chances against Louisville or Northern Iowa. If we can continue to play with a quiet confidence and as one unit there is no reason why this team cannot continue to advance. Tonight was a great display of what it takes to win! Our players had one goal tonight and that was to leave that arena with a victory and they accomplished the task at hand!!!  NC State now finds itself as the headline as they are the darlings of the tournament…but will they be satisfied? I don’t think so, but we will have to wait and see.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
9 years ago

Thank god, Gott played Lee.  Lee is quick and plays defense, but Turner did hit four big free throws.  Too bad we can’t combine the two kids.  Go Pack.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
9 years ago

DaPack Happy BDay

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DaPack
DaPack
9 years ago

Take that awesomeness Wolfpacker74! Hats off to a scrappy bunch of believers!

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NC State Basketball

ECU Transfer Forward Ezra Ausar to NC State is Trending Up

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3 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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ECU Transfer Power Forward Ezra Ausar (6’9″/240) was on an Official Visit to NC State yesterday, and according to analysts at ON3 and 247Sports, things are trending in the right direction for the Wolfpack.

Jamie Shaw of ON3 submitted a prediction for Ausar to eventually commit to NC State yesterday morning.

Cory Smith of 247Sports submitted a crystal ball projection for Ausar to run with the Wolfpack this morning.

Ausar just wrapped up his Sophomore season in Greenville, averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting 51.4% from the field. As a Freshman, he was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team, averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Ausar is a consensus 4-Star prospect in the Transfer Portal, and ON3 ranks him as the #60 overall player in the Portal and the #10 Power Forward.

Originally from Atlanta, Ausar played his Senior Season of High School at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. ON3 ranked Ausar as a 4-Star prospect coming out of high school, the #94 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.

Ausar has visited Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, met over Zoom with Georgetown, and had an in-home visit with Utah. John Calipari and his staff at Arkansas have been in touch with Ausar, as well as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, West Virginia, Iowa State and St. John’s. (Link)

At this point, it’s good news that Ausar has no visits scheduled after the visit to NC State.

Ausar has 2 years of eligibility remaining, and NC State currently has 1 scholarship remaining.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Signee Zamareya Jones Showed Out in the McDonald’s & Jordan All-American Games

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4 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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NC State 2024 signee Zamareya Jones has played in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic over the past month.

In the McDonald’s game on April 2nd, Jones had 13 points, helping her East squad defeat the West.

 

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In the Jordan Brand Classic on April 21st, Jones had 15 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. She also hit the game winner for Team Flight.

Jones is a 5-star prospect in the Wolfpack’s 2024 recruiting class, ranked 21st overall nationally by ESPN.

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NC State Basketball

NC State’s Kevin Keatts and DJ Burns Sounded the Siren at the Canes Game Tonight

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13 hours ago

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April 30, 2024

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NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts and the beloved DJ Burns were both Siren Sounders for the Canes this evening, with Carolina defeating the Islanders 6-3, winning the Round 1 series 4-1.

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NC State Basketball

USC Transfer Power Forward Brandon Gardner Includes NC State In Top 6

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21 hours ago

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April 30, 2024

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USC Power Forward Brandon Gardner (6’8″/215) listed NC State in his Top-6 along with Jacksonville, San Francisco, Arizona St., Texas A&M and Arizona.

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Gardner was a 4-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, with Rivals ranking him as the #74 overall player nationally, and ESPN ranking him as the #2 player in the state of New York (Christ the King, New York City). He is originally from Waynesboro, Georgia. Prior to playing for Christ the King, Gardner played for Word of God Academy, so Raleigh is familiar to him.

Kevin Keatts and his NC State Coaching Staff offered Gardner when he was in high school.

Prior to committing to USC, Gardner was committed to St. John’s.

This past season Gardner only played in 4 minutes in 1 game for the Trojans, making it a redshirt season.

Gardner will have 4 years of eligibility wherever he lands.

 

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