RALEIGH — N.C. State let a 16-point lead slip away at Wake Forest in January. C.J. Leslie wouldn't let that happen on Wednesday night, not in the Wolfpack's final home game of the season, not with the real season about to begin.
Leslie's 19 points and 10 rebounds helped N.C. State throttle Wake Forest 81-66 for the Pack's sixth win in seven games and third straight at home by double-digits. N.C. State (22-8, 11-6 ACC) closed out its home schedule with a 16-1 record, including an 8-1 mark in the ACC.
It was the final home game together for State's veteran quartet of Leslie, Richard Howell, Scott Wood and Lorenzo Brown. Howell and Wood were honored on Senior Night and then Leslie proceeded to do the heavy lifting.
Leslie's steal and alley-oop to Brown for a 49-28 lead at the 16:12 mark in the second half brought a big smile to Leslie's face and a rare, celebratory fist-pump. It also prompted Wake Forest coach Jeff Bzdelik to scramble for his second timeout in the first 4 minutes of the second half.
Wake (12-17, 5-12 ACC) beat N.C. State 86-84 on Jan. 22 in Winston-Salem. Freshman forward Devin Thomas put together one of the best all-around game in conference play with 25 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and four assists.
The State players admitted after that game, they didn't know too much about Thomas but they were ready for him on Wednesday. Thomas didn't score for almost 16 minutes and had only two points at the half. He finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Deacs erased a 16-point Wolfpack lead in the first meeting of the season, and led 14-9 on Wednesday, before the Wolfpack awoke from an early "Senior Night" slumber.
N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried implored his players to "get a stance" and crank up the defense, which is exactly what led to a decisive 19-2 in a 7-minute stretch in the first half.
Freshman forward T.J. Warren scored nine points during the run as the Pack took control of the game. Leslie scored seven of the final 11 points of the half to give the Pack a 39-24 advantage at the break.
Instead of letting Wake, which played without freshman guard Codi Miller-McIntyre (illness), back into the game, Leslie led a blitz to start the second half. Leslie's dunk, on the Pack's first possession, inspired Bzdelik's first timeout.
Leslie dunk, off a pretty feed from Howell, at 16:30 stretched State's advantage to 47-28. The steal and oop for Brown followed and Wake wouldn't get closer than 16 points until the final minute of the game.
Warren (15 points) and Rodney Purvis (14) helped Leslie with the scoring in the second half, while Howell and Wood finished with relatively quiet games. Howell, who was hampered by foul trouble in the first half, had seven points and five rebounds, while Wood finished with nine points.
The fans started a "We want Jay!" chant with 3 minutes left in the game, for senior walk-on Jay Lewis, and Gottfried obliged with a 2:06 left, which prompted a standing ovation for the exiting Howell and Wood. Lewis promptly buried a 3-pointer in transition on his first trip down the court.
Comments
SUCCESSFUL SENIOR DAY
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 13:53 — JPDOhioAlthough Richard and Scott were a little off their game last night, that doesn't diminish their contributions last night and throughout their distinguished careers. Fortunately the slack was picked up by CJ, TJ, Zo and Rodney.
Zo looked like the pre-injury version of himself. Rodney has demolished the freshman wall and embraced the sixth man role that is so important. I thought TJ was average as I watched the game, but then I saw his stats and realized that he somewhat quietly had an outstanding game.
And then there is CJ. Welcome back! Not sure where this version has been, but I hope he sticks around through March. Let's not forget Tyler either, who gets half the minutes of the other freshmen, but is steady as it goes and is invaluable at the end of the game when ball security and solid free throw shooting are absolutely necessary.
Congrats to Scott, Richard and Jay Lewis on a successful senior day. As the parent of a former college athlete, I have an idea of how their parents are feeling now-a combination of pride in their accomplishments and sadness that it is coming to an end. Same is probably true of Zo's and CJ's families. Here's hoping the end of this year does not come to soon for these fine kids.
Go Pack!
Thanks guys.
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 09:09 — shharrisI was a little nostalgic thinking about these guys playing their last home game. I am grateful for every wood three and Richard rebound. By the way, Richard has been my favorite since he was a struggling freshman. No one can ignore how Brown developed as a player and as a leader. The most enjoyable part of this Wake game (after winning) was seeing Calvin play a complete game and be happy. He rebounded and passed and played defense and he smiled! I've ridden him like government mule this year. I apologize for some of my comments, but last night he put in the effort to match his talent and put the team first. I hope he can play like last night for at least ten more games. The picture of Calvin and Richard celebrating the other Lewis three pointer made even me happy and proud. Go Pack! steve'73