RALEIGH -- For the first time in a month, N.C. State won an ACC game.
The Wolfpack beat No. 23 Wake Forest 68-54 to end a seven-game conference losing streak.
The Demon Deacons went 0-for-12 from 3-point range, while State hit six in the second half to close in on its first ACC win since Jan. 20. All three of the Wolfpack's ACC wins will be over ranked opponents.
Tracy Smith led the Wolfpack with 14 points but it was an unexpected boost from C.J. Williams, 12 points off the bench, which proved to be the difference.
With a strong defensive effort, the Wolfpack took a 28-18 halftime lead. The Wolfpack held the Demon Deacons to 25.9 percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers.
It's the second straight game State led by 10 at the half. They were up on Maryland 37-27 on Wednesday before faltering in the second half in a 67-58 loss.
State has been in control since Dennis Horner's steal, which led to a Williams layup, made it 12-5 at 12:45.
Wake, which is 2-5 on the road in the ACC, went almost 7:30 without a field goal in the first half and finished 7-of-27 from the floor.
State didn't shoot much better (31 percent) but had six steals and four blocks to create some points in transition.
Freshman forward Richard Howell, who missed the Maryland game with a thumb injury, returned to play 4 minutes in the first half.
Comments
Recruits
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 16:34 — Shoreman67From what I have read, It looks like the Pack has some pretty good recruits coming in next season. I'd like to hear some comments from anyone in Wolfpack land who is following this and may be more knowledgeable than I. How optimistic and excited should we be about these kids and just how much of an an impact could they make on the team as Freshmen?
Re: Recruits
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 18:10 — Heels20State has a pretty solid class coming in this year, highlighted by 5-star point guard Ryan Harrow, 4-star shooting guard Lorenzo Brown and 4-star power forward Luke Cothron.
On the high school level, Harrow is an excellent scorer and passer. The main concern about him is his size, as he is only about 5'11'', 170. I went to see him play in December and his 3-point shot and free throw shooting wasn't very impressive, but he also had the flu so that may have been a reason. He was able to drive to the basket really well and he's got a sick vertical for how small he is.
Lorenzo Brown is in Prep school right now so he's probably seeing some tougher competition which will be good preparation for next season. If I remember correctly, he's about 6'4'' and an all-around solid shooting guard who can also play the point. He was originally expected to come in with the 2009 class and be an instant impact player, so I can't imagine he's too bad.
I also saw Cothron play back in December and I think he will be the one of these 3 who doesn't see the court immediately. He's a good player who doesn't do anything real flashy, but he wears a knee brace on each knee which probably isn't a good sign. It also doesn't help that he'll be competing with Tracy Smith, Richard Howell and DeShawn Painter for playing time. Overall, he seemed like a disciplined player who was a quiet, but consistent scorer.
All this being said, Sidney Lowe has struggled with developing some players in the past. Brandon Costner, Ben McCauley, Courtney Feels and Dennis Horner were all big recruits (all by Sendek) that played at least 3 years under Lowe, but none of them showed significant improvement. At the same time, Tracy Smith has gotten better every year and Javi Gonzalez is starting to show some promise. I guess you have to draw your own conclusion on that one. Hope this helps...
Thanks for the enlightenment
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 21:27 — Shoreman67Thanks for the enlightenment Heels20. Sounds like the little guy can jump like Spud Webb. How about CJ Leslie---do you think he might commit to State? I agree about Lowe's ability to develop players. I also question his coaching ability. How much longer to you think State will give him? Again, thanks for taking the time to reply......
Leslie and Lowe
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 22:10 — Heels20No problem at all. Most people on here would probably tell you I'm always happy to voice my opinion.
I think CJ Leslie has it down to Kentucky and NC State. Any time I've been to one of his games, I've seen at least 2 or 3 coaches from NC State. They're definitely working hard to get him. Despite all of that, I think he would end up at Kentucky if John Wall were to stay another year...but he won't. So it's probably a coin toss at this point.
As far as Sidney Lowe's job goes, he'll be back next year. Unless State basketball makes a major turn-around in the coming weeks, I think Lee Fowler will be gone soon. If a new AD is hired and Lowe is unable to make the tournament and/or go at least 7-9 in the ACC, I think he'll be gone after the 2010-2011 season. With the high caliber players he has brought in since his arrival at State, his record thus far is inexcusable, and one more disappointing season would be the final nail in the coffin.
What?
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 10:42 — YAR8packWhat's the cliche? Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then?
I didn't watch a single second of the game. Wanted to enjoy such lovely weather by being outdoors. Glad State won.
A few items stick out: The turnover ratio for the Pack was quite low when compared to their regular almost 20 a game. Wake had 23 turnovers. Wake, as has already been mentioned by a few posters, didn't hit a single 3-point shot, while State went 6-12.
I'd like to be a lil more stoked about this win, but it seems like Wake really just bombed away the game. Oh well.
Go Pack.
OK to be cautious
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 14:59 — JPDOhioState played great on Saturday. Their intensity on defense had a lot to do with Wake's problems, but it is true that Wake was off their game as well. The Pack has to follow this up with complete games for the rest of the year.
Winning two of their last 3 in the regular season is possible. It is also possible they will tank the way they did after the Duke win. Until we see how they respond to this latest win, remaining unstoked is probably a good idea.
Guys I'm Happy For
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 14:33 — JPDOhio1. CJ Williams-Don't know where he's been all year, but glad to see him back. Just a great all around performance. Leadership, scoring, a couple of key blocks. Keep bringing that energy and good things will continue to happen.
2. Javi Gonzalez-6 assists, 4 steals, a clutch 3 pointer and only 2 turnovers and 2 personal fouls (including 1 stupid one right before the end of the game). The way Javi struggled with his shot early in the game, I thought it was not going to be a good afternoon for him. But he kept his composure and did all the other things he needs to do to keep the team going in the right direction. His shooting is still off a little, but if he continues doing all the other things well, his shot will come.
3. Dennis Horner-Sid challenged him recently about hitting the boards better and he has definitely responded. His increased aggressiveness on the boards has seeped into other parts of his game and improved his overall performance. I still wish he would take the ball to the basket stronger when he has the chance, but I will take more of this kind of game from him all day, every day.
4. Sid- He has taken the usual heat during the losing skid and has stayed level headed and focused. He challenged his team to step up, especially in the leadership department, and they have responded well. That stretch of bad basketball would have destroyed a majority of other teams. That has not happened at State, which is a credit to Sid and to the players on the team who have obviously stuck together.
This was truly a team win with solid performances from other guys as well. Tracy-6 for 6 from the free throw line. Farnold-clutch 3 pointers and all-around excellent game. Richard- 6 rebounds in 8 minutes with a bad thumb.
Way to go guys. Let's keep it going at Miami.
Excellent win
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 14:03 — JPDOhioState has had this type of effort in them all year, but they have rarely sustained it for 40 minutes. It is a credit to the coaching staff and the players that they haven't packed it in for the year.
It is good for the Pack to have a week off to bask in this win and get some guys rested and healthy. They have a chance to win their last three regular season games and do well in the ACC tourney, but they have to commit themselves to the same level of energy and focus that they showed yesterday.
I would remind them that the last time they played this well, the tailspin began with the next game. Don't let this happen again, guys. Please!
DITTY!!
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 18:38 — bluecat69bluecat69DID I MISS SOMETHING, OR ARE THE WULFPECKERS LAST IN THE ACC?? BUT U GO ON AND GIVE ALL OF THE CREDIT U CAN TO THE COACHES, ALL OTHER COACHES IN ACC HOPE U KEEP SKID FOREVER, THAT WAY WE ALL KNOW WHO IS GOING TO FINISH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ACC. GO DUKE!!
Blue Dabble Icon
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 19:09 — heelsno1Blue Cat is the perfect Blue Dabble and exemplifies traits that most reasonable and principled people detest: unfounded sense of superiority; total arrogance; rude, obnoxious behavior.
hole-20!!1
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 14:13 — bluecat69bluecat69i plead guilty on all accounts, we at duke do look down our nose at the holes and cow college students because we are superior and arrogant, but it like they say , if u can back it up, it must be true, go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
perceived or not perceived
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 14:06 — gvillegatrwake forest is nc state's rival in basketball.
Nice win
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 22:43 — Heels20This is the first game I've made it to at the RBC Center this season. I guess I lucked out being offered a ticket to this one. Sidney had his boys running up and down the floor every possession. I was impressed with Farnold Degand and CJ Williams. Even Horner was making things happen in the first half. However, what was most impressive was how State was able to keep it together and maintain their lead until the end.
When was the last time Wake won in Raleigh? I've been to 3 of the last 4, all of which the Pack won. I didn't make it to last year's game, but I'm pretty sure State won that as well. Any way, definitely a good win for State. Glad they didn't play like that against us...
State
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 04:36 — LetsGoPittYes, Lowe is now 4-0 vs. Wake at home. Guess State was due for a win. I think you could tell all the negatives were getting to these guys, then fans, even the recruits, so, yeah, State was bound to break out. Of course, Wake sure laid an egg with 0% 3-pt shooting, 55% FT, and all those turnover - ugh!
Well, the Deacs probably can't wait to play so.......looks like a 20 point win Saturday at LJVMC!!!
question for letsgopitt
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 14:11 — JPDOhioDo you ever sleep? This is at least the second post I've seen from you in the middle of the night. I thought I was nuts posting at 12:30 A.M.
Not trying to discourage you. Just wondering.
Again, pick a team
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 13:58 — Heels20Pitt, Wake, State and Clemson. Might as well throw Ohio State and Michigan into the mix.
Laying an egg
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 10:37 — JPDOhioYes, Wake had a tough afternoon shooting. But some credit has to go to the Pack for strong defending. We haven't seen 40 minutes of that kind of intensity on the defensive end from them in at least a month.
Owwooooo
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 22:30 — mad_maxFinally won again! It's been so long, I had forgotten what it feels like to actually celebrate. A few key points here today:
1) Great defensive effort by the Pack; Wake didn't hit a three all game...whichever way you want to look at it.
2) State hit some really clutch threes towards the end...two by Degand and one by Javi.
3) State made their free throws
4) Wake was called for more travels and away-from-the-ball fouls in this game than I've seen anyone get called for all season.
congrats
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 12:16 — gvillegatron your teams victory.
Congrats to MOO U........beat those DEEKS.....
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 19:46 — TheMambaSTRIKESThe Doherty II Deja Vu's are now hanging by a spider web strand out of the bottom of the ACC Outhouse.
-First to Worst
-Penthouse to the Outhouse
-Below .500 ACC season has been CLINCHED !!!
All the Stats
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 19:12 — heelsno12 National Championships in the past 5 years!
The Daily Tarheel, Raleigh Edition, does it again
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 18:23 — PuddentainUNC gets both a news article and a blog, and all NCSU gets is a blog?
The Daily Tarheel, Raleigh Edition, does it again.
Two hours later...
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 19:50 — PuddentainThey do have an article.
And COOL! We have a picture gallery and UNC doesn't!
Posts
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 04:43 — LetsGoPittGreat posts as always, Pudden! You should work for the N&O, they need some help. Like, when you go to the Canes sports news, guess what banner is on the top? No, not the link for Canes Now as one would think, but the unc-duke link! Nuts!
And, yeah, they need to be quicker to get posts, box scores and the like up, plus should have more coverage of Clemson and Wake. Yeah, they have links to other papers, so why not add the Winston-Salem Journal?
Go Deacs!!!!
who goes to ...
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 12:15 — gvillegatrCanes Now!? lol. get hockey out of this state and off my airwaves.
Thank the good Lord 99.9 moved the afternoon clowns to the 6am shift. those goobers shoved hockey down our throats and people quit listening momentarily.
POONTAIN!!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 18:35 — bluecat69bluecat69when are u going to learn that the cow college is IRRELEVANT, when talking about bb, but the holes are gaining ground on u, ok, go dike!!!!!!!!! BEAT THE CO-BOTTOM FEEDERS!!!!
I'll learn that
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 19:44 — Puddentainwhen you learn to type and spell (go dike?)
POONTAIN!!
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 11:09 — bluecat69bluecat69IF U LOOK AT YOUR KEYBOARD, U WILL SEE THE U AND I KEY ARE BESIDE EACH OTHER , I MADE A MISTAKE AND HIT THE WRONG KEY, OK, THANKS FOR CORRECTING ME!! GO DUKE, GO DUKE GO DUKE GO DUKE GO DUKE, GO DUKE GO DUKE, GO DUKE, OK, PUNK!!!!
Appropriate
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 19:46 — heelsno1Blue Cat is again making excuses...the correct key was touched...GO DIKES!!!
real fans
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:24 — mocarycongratulations to the pack's players, coaches and especially to the fans. it's easy to show up when your team is winning. that was a GREAT defensive effort by the wolfpack.- a college basketball fan in kansas city
Tied for last
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:15 — wjolly....well the Wolfpack is now tied for last place...and yes we were supposed to be there....let's look and see who we're tied for last with....OMG...didn't their journalists pick them to finish 1st in the ACC????? From first to worst (okay almost worst) how the mighty have fallen....couldn't have happened to a team with a more arrogant fan base!!!!
wget yourjollies!!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:24 — bluecat69bluecat69are u telling me that there are now co- bottom feeders in the acc?? holes and peckers!! what a shame!! i thought when the 8 footer--CELLAR came back from his injury the holes might upset bc, he is a real dandy isnt he?? go duke!!!!!!!!!!
Holes and Peckers!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:35 — fhernstReally? A duke fan is going to poke fun at UNC and NCSU's names? Okay.
fem-hygenest!!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:51 — bluecat69bluecat69wonderful isnt it!! do u think john wall would have fit ol roys losing system-- i think not-- he is playing for a winner -not a co- acc bottom feeder, question- who has the worst team. holes or peckers? be honest, and dont cheat, ok go DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
probably the worst one is
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 22:17 — wjollyprobably the worst one is the one who beat Duke....and I have always liked Duke but fans like Bluecat, have me rethinking the arrogance champions....
just another example
Sun, 02/21/2010 - 12:12 — gvillegatrYet another nc state football fan who roots for DUIke bball. thats the translation.
its been a long time since 1987 (ACC bball champs) hasn't it, nc state bball fans.
It's true!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:30 — PuddentainBut we've beaten both of the ACC teams that are currently in the top-25.
Defense
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 16:18 — JPDOhioSolid D made the difference in the first half.
Need to keep the pressure on in the second.
Go Pack!
JPDOHIO--AKA-DITTY!!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:56 — bluecat69bluecat69YOU CANT LOSE THEM ALL, U AND HOLE-20 CAN GET TOGEATHER AND HAVE A " BIG OL PITTY PARTY" . GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!
DITTY!!!
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 17:28 — bluecat69bluecat69u must be proud as punch of the mighty wulfpeckers, who knows they will probably finish ahead of the whinney boys in crappel- hill, go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!