NC State cruises past Syracuse on senior day, 71-57

Box Score

After a slow start Saturday afternoon, NC State took control against Syracuse and never looked back. The Wolfpack started a run late in the first half that continued into the second, and the Pack built a double-digit lead that would carry it to a 71-57 victory.

The Orange rallied after falling down by 19 to cut the deficit to single digits as the Pack endured a five-minute drought, but State snapped out of that funk before the game was in any real jeopardy.

It was a good thing, too, because it set up a great moment: senior Staats Battle coming into the game to replace senior Ralston Turner, who got a well-earned ovation as he walked to the bench. And Battle canned a three-pointer shortly after stepping onto the floor. Senior day perfection.

Trevor Lacey and Turner both scored 19 points to lead the Wolfpack, while Cat Barber finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Barber was outstanding distributing the ball, and both Lacey and Turner shot the ball well. When those things happen, NC State is pretty dang tough.

With this win, NC State has played its way safely into the NCAA tournament field, and what a relief it is to be able to write that. Three weeks ago we were 14-11 and heading into a road game at Louisville in desperate need of wins. Today we're resting easy. Amazing how much can change in such a short period of time.

Now it's money time. Let's go win some tournaments.