NC State's ACC Tournament Run Ends In Semis

Box Score

NC State rebounded really well at the defensive end of the floor in each of its first two conference tournament games; it also avoided big games from Erick Green and Joe Harris. Against Miami, the rebounding effort wasn't nearly as good, and the team's luck ran out--Durand Scott had a career day, looking nothing like a guy who came in shooting 31.2% from three.

NC State also left a lot of points at the free throw line. And after falling behind big, the Pack needed to be near-perfect from the stripe, as well as close off the Hurricanes' second-chance opportunities. The guys could do neither, and they were never able to get closer than six points in the second half. This time around, it was the dudes on the other team making plays to stave off runs. Scott had a few himself.

So that was a disappointing end for a team that felt like it was elevating its level of play. It's just tough when C.J. Leslie and Lorenzo Brown combine to shoot 5-19 from the field (all of those made baskets were Leslie's); those two are simply not scoring the ball efficiently these days, and really haven't for a while now. I'd hoped this would turn around.

On the bright side, however little consolation it might be, we don't have anything to worry about tomorrow despite today's loss. We are in the NCAA tournament; now we just have to wait to find out where we're going.