Game Summary:
This is exactly the kind of game NC State needed to play. VCU was a talented, well coached, team that pushed the Wolfpack to the edge. Based on current KenPom metrics, VCU is ranked on a similar
level to many ACC teams.
The first half looked very familiar. Another game, another technical foul. This time on Darrion Williams. But it made no difference, he scored 17 points on 7-10 shooting. VCU read the scouting report and shut down Paul McNeil, he scored no points but led both teams with 7 rebounds, plus he had 2 assists and a block. VCU got off more shots (36 to 29) but only hit 31% / 25%. Tre Holloman had 9, Matt Able had 8. The Wolfpack continued its hot shooting streak with 48% / 43% / 83%. Halftime score 39-35.
The second half was a battle. It was tied at 65 with 9:20 left and NC State could never extend the lead beyond 6 points. Tre Holloman scored 16 points in the second half to lead the Pack when the 3PT shots weren’t falling and Paul McNeil went cold. Darrion Williams (11) and Ven Lubin (8) helped carry the load. VCU shot 39% from 3PT and hit 7 in the second half while the Wolfpack went cold and hit only 29%, 2-7. The two big differences were, rebounding, the Pack out rebounded the Rams 24-11 in the second half, and free throws. The Pack shot 22-27 in the second half, VCU only shot 5-9.
NC State wins a very tough game 85-79.
Four Factors
Overall Takeaways:
- NC State kept up the quality shooting 46.3% / 38.1% / 81.8%
- The Pack out rebounded a taller team, 45-31.
- The Wolfpack committed 10 turnovers in the second half, not a formula for success – Tre Holloman chipped in 4 of them
Coach Wade Post Game Comments
Individual Highlights
- Career high points for Tre Holloman with 25. He was 10-10 from the free throw line.
- Career high rebounds for Paul McNeil with 9. His shot wasn’t falling, but besides the rebounds he contributed 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal
- Ven Lubin rebounded well against a taller center, nearly getting a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds. He also hit a 3PT shot.
- Darrion Williams loaded up the box score again with 28 points (2-4 from 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal
Wolfpack Player Stats
