Q1 Win! NC State Beats #18 Clemson 80-76

Game Summary:

The shooting woes from the Georgia Tech game were not in evidence in the first half, NC State shot 48% / 43% / 67%. The Tigers turned the ball over 8 times, resulting in 9 points for the Pack. The Wolfpack led points in the paint 18-14. McNeil and Copeland led the scoring with 9 each. Matt Able had a solid 12 minutes with 4 pts /2 reb /1 assist and 2 steals.

In the second half, the Wolfpack struggled to hit shots. They only made 7 baskets in the second half but made 16 free throws. The Pack hit no field goals in the final 8:16. Clemson tied it at 69 with 1:00 left, and that’s how the half ended.

In overtime, NC State got it going relying on the three horsemen. Copeland went to the basket early, followed by Williams hitting a 3PT, and then Williams assisted on another Lubin dunk. Lubin and Able hit two free throws each to close out the scoring. Wolfpack wins, 80-76

Overall Takeaways:

• Very close game, both teams made 17 2PT shots, Clemson made 1 more 3PT shot, but NC State got 7 more points at the free throw line
• The Pack forced 13 Clemson turnovers, 8 in the first half
• NC State had 13 assists on 25 baskets
• The Wolfpack had 7 steals
• The Pack committed only 7 turnovers
• Clemson is a much bigger team, but points in the paint were tied at 32

Coach Wade Post Game Comments

Individual Highlights

• Ven Lubin had a great game, leading the scoring with 22 and tied for the lead in rebounding with 6. 100% from the free throw line.
• Darrion Williams had a ‘D5’ game with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. 100% from the free throw line. No turnovers.
• Matt Able had another good game, 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
• Quadir Copeland led assists with 6, and had 16 points, 4 rebounds and only one turnover.

Box Score