The NC State Wolfpack hit their final 5 of 6 shots, with the 6th final shot being blocked by Center Jalen Washington helping solidify the Heels 11th win of the year and fourth for conference play. A Heels team looking to build momentum on the road for the second time in the last five days is cruising at the right time of conference play.
(photo courtesy of Maggie Hobson)
Tied at 61 all, Jalen Washington pick and roll basket gave North Carolina the lead 63-61 with under 20 seconds left in the game. After the ensuing timeout North Carolina applied suffocating ball pressure forcing Jayden Taylor to attack the rim where Washington once again was there to block the layup attempt, solidifying an emotional rivalry win in Raleigh in front of a sold out home crowd.
The Heels outscored the Pack on the interior 34-28, where the Pack prior to the contest were 8-1 on the season when winning that battle.
(photo courtesy of Maggie Hobson)
NC State Kevin Keatts cited the difference in the game being transition points and controlling the Heels in a half court set. On the night the Pack struggled from deep hitting just 3 of 19 attempts, compared to the Heels 7 of 19 from the perimeter.
Senior Marcus Hill led all Pack players with 20 points, on 10-19 shooting. Freshman Ian Jackson scored 21 points, including key threes to help create separation from a Pack team who fought back to tie it at 61 all.
(phot courtesy of 24/7 Sports)
Wolfpack Ben Middlebrooks tallied two more blocks to help build on a new season high 26.
All-American RJ Davis contributed his career 500th assist making him the 13th Tar Heel to acheive such a feat.
The Heels have now won three in a row and seven of its last nine games.
Next up for the Pack includes a matchup on the road at Virginia Tech on 1/15. It is paramount over the next two weeks for the Pack to finish games as they face Virginia Tech, SMU, California, and Duke on the road.
Comentários