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NC State 78 Virginia Tech 84: BY THE NUMBERS

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4 months ago

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NC State fell to 13-5 (5-2) overall today, falling to Virginia Tech (11-7/3-4) 78-84 at home. Here’s a look at the loss BY THE NUMBERS.

  • Virginia Tech shot right at 10% better than NC State.
    • The Hokies shot 53.1% and the Wolfpack shot 43.3%.
    • This marks only the 3rd time this season that NC State has allowed their opponent to shoot 50%+ from the field.
      • The Wolfpack has lost 2 of those 3 games (Lost to BYU/Beat Saint Louis).
    • I don’t have the exact numbers on this, but NC State got beat off the dribble all game long, giving up easy baskets at the rim.
      • The Hokies scored 32 points in the paint (so did NC State).
  • NC State turned the ball over 18 times, which is the most in a single game this season.
    • One of the Wolfpack’s strengths this season has been taking care of the basketball, but after further analysis, against good competition, that strength has waned.
      • Against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opponents, NC State is averaging 11.5 turnovers per game.
    • DJ Horned had 4, and DJ Burns and Ben Middlebrooks both had 3 each.
  • The Hokies scored 51 points in the 2nd half, which is the most points scored by an opponent in the 2nd half all season.
    • VT shot 63% from the field in the 2nd, and 50% from three.
    • In my opinion, and I mean no disrespect to the Hokies, this was a result of poor defense by the Wolfpack.
      • I don’t have the numbers, but way too many of VT’s shots were blow bys or wide open threes.
  • Casey Morsell led the Wolfpack in scoring with 19 points, shooting 4 of 7 from the field, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 9 of 10 from the free throw line.
  • DJ Horne had 16 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the field, and 3 of 7 from three.
  • Jayden Taylor was the only other player in double digits, scoring 15 points, but his 4 of 12 shooting leaves something to be desired.
    • NC State was -10 with Taylor on the court, which was the worst on the team.
    • The half-court offense didn’t move well with Taylor on the court today, and that had to do with his over dribbling, and his poor shot selection.
  • Michael O’Connell had 5 assists and 1 turnover.
  • Kevin Keatts continues to keep me curious when it comes to player rotation.
    • Breon Pass played 2 minutes at the end of the 1st half today, which was his first time seeing the court since December 23rd.
    • On the other hand, MJ Rice hasn’t played in the past two games, and only played 2 minutes against Louisville.
    • LJ Thomas hasn’t played since December 23rd.

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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NC State Basketball

NC State is Adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach

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3 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to reports, NC State is adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach.

Nelson was only at UMASS for 1 season under Frank Martin. Prior to that, Nelson was the Head Coach at Holy Cross for 4 seasons, posting a 27-84 record.

Prior to taking the Head Coaching mantle at Holy Cross, Nelson was at Marquette for 5 seasons, spending the first 3 as an Assistant Coach, and the final two as an Associate Head Coach. Prior to Marquette, Nelson also served as an Assistant Coach at Ball St., Drake, Arkansas and Marshall.

Before coaching basketball, Nelson played for the University of Florida from 1999-2003. He was All-SEC twice, and earned Third Team All-American honors. When he left Gainesville, he was the Gators’ all-time leader in three pointers made, and ranked 2nd in steals.

As a Senior in High School, Nelson was a McDonald’s All-American.

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NC State Basketball

Ernest Ross Announces He is Returning to NC State

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3 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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Power Forward Ernest Ross announced this morning that he is returning to NC State for his final year of eligibility.

 

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Last Friday, Ross committed to UTSA after entering the Transfer Portal on April 17th, but it looks like he had a change of heart over the past couple of days.

NC State has been in desperate need to add a Big out of the Portal. They have hosted ECU’s Ezra Ausar and Georgia’s Frank Anselem-Ibe, but neither of them have found a home yet. With the addition of Ross, NC State has added depth in the Frontcourt, and unless something changes, their roster is full with 13 scholarship players.

Ross played in 14 games this past season, averaging 3.4 minutes per contest. After playing in 34 games last season, averaging 11.4 minutes per contest, Ross saw his participation dip to a career low this season, but that didn’t for a second break his infectious personality. On the sideline, you could count on Ross every single game to be the heart and soul of the Wolfpack on the bench. To watch a player who played as little as he did, care as much as he did, makes me super proud that this young man represented NC State so well.

Ross was a consensus 4-star player in NC State’s 2021 recruiting class, with 247Sports ranking him as the #60 overall player nationally. ESPN ranked him as the #5 overall player in the state of Florida.

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NC State Basketball

A Matchup Between NC State & Marquette Next Season Might be in the Works

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3 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to NCAA.com’s Andy Katz, a matchup between NC State and Marquette next season might be in the works.

This past year, the Wolfpack defeated the Golden Eagles 67-58 in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

NC State and Marquette have played one another 6 times overall, with the Wolfpack holding a 4-2 lead in the series, winning the past two matchups.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Men’s Basketball Will Play in the 2025 Maui Invitational

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4 days ago

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May 14, 2024

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The NC State Men’s Basketball Team will be playing in the 2025 Maui Invitational, on November 24-26 in Hawaii. This will mark the first time that NC State has ever played in the Maui Invitational.

NC State will be joined by Baylor, Oregon, Seton Hall, Texas, UNLV, USC and Chaminade.

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