NC State 69, Clemson 61

by Akula Wolf on Feb 17, 2011 10:46 PM EST

It's a winning streak! CJ Leslie was as good tonight as he has been in months, maybe the entire season. He was focused at the offensive end, he played hard all night, and he got some jumpers to go with some tough shots around the rim. The game went so well for him he even made both free throws in his lone trip to the free throw line. Tonight it was really apparent why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. His outstanding play kept State in the game through a largely lackluster first half, and it overshadowed poor performances by the other freshmen. If he starts playing like this on a regular basis, it's a different team.

The bench was fantastic--a combined 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Richard Howell scored nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 16 minutes. Javi Gonzalez looked revitalized and loose, and he was as good as he's been all year. It was telling that he got minutes in crunch time.

Excluding games against Wake Forest, it was State's most efficient offensive performance in conference play. That they were able to clear a point per trip with no problem despite poor shooting shows how good they were in every other facet. They took care of the ball, took care of their free throws, and CJ Leslie and Richard Howell killed the Tigers on the offensive glass.

Impressive second half, impressive win. Let's keep this thing rolling on Sunday.

Four Factors	NCSU	Clemson
eFG%	42.4	39.8
Turnover Rate	15.0	8.3
Off Reb Rate	47.5	38.6
FT Rate	40.7	25.0

	Pts	Poss	OFF_EFF	DEF_EFF
Clem	61	60	101.7	115.0
NCSU	69	60	115.0	101.7

Box Score

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

confession

I realized that I’m really hoping Sid pulls a 1983-style miracle out of his ass, wins 7 straight to end the year, makes the NCAA tournament, and keeps his job.

Does this make me an idiot?

by TVP on Feb 17, 2011 11:38 PM EST reply actions

It's OK to hope

You’re an idiot only if you think it’s possible.

Watching the unc-ch and dook games made that painfully obvious.

by wolfonthehill on Feb 18, 2011 7:14 AM EST up reply actions

As vocal as i have been

About wanting him gone, that is what I would rather see happen. You are not alone.

by Undertoe on Feb 18, 2011 7:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

How about this scenario?

Sid pulls a 1983-style miracle out of his ass, wins 7 straight to end the year, makes the NCAA tournament, and doesn’t keep his job. Perfect.

by projectwentynine on Feb 18, 2011 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

sounds good

Backing The Pack

by Akula Wolf on Feb 18, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

Sad but true

Agreed. I think it just shows our passion for State (and that our short-term focus outweighs long-term).

by Redjacket on Feb 18, 2011 7:12 AM EST reply actions

there were a few negatives in State's play last night.

for one, when the shots did not fall early, i really thought the team was going to quit again. the team sure looked like they would. number two: yes, Ryan Harrow we are a family, so consider this a family intervention. after you get a shot blocked, please don’t shuffle back down court leaving your team at a defensive disadvantage. and. after you turn the ball over, please don’t stand there and argue with the refs, again, leaving your team at a defensive disadvantage. enough written on that.

so- now its off to Maryland. as i wrote in a post preceding this one, the Maryland game is one which can go along way toward Lowe keeping his job if State wins. i hope Lowe doesn’t take a Herb Sendek position of its just another game. it’s a big game! maybe the most important game for Lowe in his coaching time at State. win it, and you and your team look good. with a win at Maryland, your team might get NCAA bubble talk-especially with State’s SOS.

State plays UNC after Maryland. i find it hard to come to a conclusion that State can beat UNC because of UNC’s size. so beating a Maryland team which will be loaded for bear after their loss to VaTech Wednesday is very important.

by sbas2 on Feb 18, 2011 7:58 AM EST reply actions

You know what was really nice?

I actually found myself getting mad at the refs. It is probably the first time that has happened since the very beginning of the season. It felt good.

The team played hard last night, I wish that effort was there all year.

by PACKHOOLIGAN on Feb 18, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions

Me too

My wife and I were watching the game, turned to each other and said “Damn, where has that been?” Finally showing effort. Teamwork. And yes, feels good to get pissed at refs again (as if it really matters).

by Redjacket on Feb 18, 2011 4:08 PM EST up reply actions

That's What It Feels Like!

…to be proud of our team again. I was in the middle of a great crowd, all screaming our heads off. Tons of fun!

I have to laugh at us, 25 games into the season – some horrible, HORRIBLE performances, and yet we all still hope for a miracle finish.

That’s what it means to be a Wolfpack fan! (and I’m right there with you!)

by Wolphpack on Feb 18, 2011 5:10 PM EST reply actions

Ha

I was so happy, I drank a 12 pack of Fat Tire, later drunkenly dropping my phone in the hot tub. (It still works by the way. Old Blackberries are tough.)

by projectwentynine on Feb 18, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions