Wolfpack moves on with 79-65 win over San Diego State

It's hard to believe that it was almost exactly a year ago when I saw a video of Lorenzo Brown being ambushed by a WRAL reported on his way back from class with the news of Sid's firing. I much prefer watching Lo a year later, confident on the court and humble in the post game interviews. This team has come so far in the course of one year that it is simply unbelievable.

Some parting observations:

1. Defense really was the difference in the game. Coach Gott called a couple of timely timeouts when the Pack was getting lacksadaisical on D. Otherwise, State was solid and committed throughout the game. Even though SDSU's primary scorers got their points, they had to work for them and that effort mattered near the end.
2. Richard Howell was a revelation. Gone was the sulking big guy who let any setback get to him. He was outstanding in the first half. He did get into foul trouble in the second half, but I have no complaints. I thought Foul #4 was ticky-tack and I can remember only one that I considered to be dumb.
3. 5 turnovers are too much for Lo Brown, who has a tendency to get careless with the ball sometimes, but that is nitpicking. He is running this team like a pro and is getting better each game. CJL is getting most of the glory lately, but Lo Brown makes this team tick.
4. DeShawn Painter knows his role and does it well. He has been as solid and consistent as anyone during the stretch run into the tourney and is vital to the Pack's continued success.
5. CJW and Scott Wood have been criticized lately for their lack of offensive production, but I think that is unfair, at least in Scott's case. He consistently is 1 or 2 in minutes played and does a lot for this team other than shoot. He seldom makes a mental error. Regarding his shooting percentage, it's not like the team is counting on him for Redick like attempts per game. If he got more shots, he would score more, but that wouldn't necessarily help the team. I thought his contribution against SDSU was just about right.
6. CJW also does many things besides scoring. He does seem to be experiencing some confidence issues with his shot still, but he did finish better yesterday. I wasn't happy with that end of the game dunk. Although I read some explanations today that soften it a little, I still believe that it was inappropriate at that point in the game with a national television audience tuned in. CJW is better than that, and those of us who have watched him all year know that. Someone tuning in yesterday seeing State for the first time doesn't. I just hope his ankle is ok and that he is close to 100% for G-Town. We can't afford to lose any of our top 7.
7. CJL had an average game for him, which still is pretty good. He will need to really bring it for State to have a chance against the Hoyas.

It is certainly gratifying to see the turnaround in this team is such a short period of time. I think it was Ernie Johnson who said in one of the post-game shows that Gottfried can flat out coach. There simply is no denying that. If he can continue to pull in recruiting classes like next year's, the future is truly bright for the Pack, regardless of tomorrow's result.

First off, we beat a VERY GOOD and well-coached basketball team. Sorry they took CJ's dunk the wrong way, but the dude was caught up in the moment.

This had to be Howell's best game. Watching him make damn near everything was a real joy. He has worked so hard this year, he deserved his moment in the sun.

Having such a balanced team approach has given us multiple options and four or five "go to" guys. Leslie and Brown have been the show lately. When Brown makes 3's, Leslie has more room to operate. And the way he cuts people up, operate is the right word.  Wood was steady and we know he's just a shot away from making four or five in a row. With Howell scoring and Williams showing everyone what team ball is about, the Pack played their best game in years.  

No one has been harder on Calvin than me. He is still searching for that balance between team and me, but the effort he has shown is undeniable. The results are what we unfairly expected since day one. But his attitude has rubbed off on Brown, and now Howell. If we play with this same intensity and desire every game,  anything is possible.

GO PACK!   steve'73

Good job Wolfpack. Nice W. Cut down on the turnovers and hit those And-1 situations and you should be fine. On to the next round...

Richard just finished his best half at State, ever. Now it's time for others to pick up the slack and get us to Sunday.

SDS has no answer for CJL. So get him going and keep the clamps on Franklin and the Pack will continue to dance.