Remember when NC State used to play well at home?

UVA/NCSU Box Score

It's not UVA played especially well--they didn't--but rather that NC State played poorly.

NC State's offensive efficiency against UVA was a meager 103 (62 pts in 60 possessions). State's adjusted field goal percentage was 45.6% (they're averaging around 53%). The Pack also had a terrible offensive rebound rate despite the Cavs' unimposing lineup. NC State kept its turnovers down, but other than that, it didn't do much to win the game on the offensive end.

It's difficult to put this one in perspective, especially considering that Virginia had been blown out in its previous two games. This UVA team hasn't been able to play State close in Raleigh over the last few years, and this season shouldn't have been any different. It's not like the Wahoos are any better this year.

Even more depressing is the fact that UVA is the worst defensive ball club in the ACC (the only team below NC State, in fact) ... and yet NC State could only manage the lame numbers that I've already cited.

I'm out of explanations. I just don't know what's going on. Julius Hodge hasn't been anything close to a go-to guy lately, and his performance against UVA was disturbing. Six points? Against those scrubs?

For the first time in a while, NC State isn't playing its best basketball in February.