NC State runs past Miami for a much-needed 80-63 win

NC State responded the way they needed to after a disappointing effort over the weekend, taking out some residual frustration on the way to a comfortable win over Miami. The Hurricanes wilted in the second half as they continued to struggle shooting from the field.

They couldn’t manage even to crack a 40.0 eFG%, which ain’t often gonna mean good things.

But it was a back-and-forth contest for a good portion of the first half, with State in catch-up mode. Miami built a 13-7 lead early on but the Wolfpack didn’t fall any farther behind than six, and when a Braxton Beverly three late in the half turned a two-point deficit into a one-point lead, State would not trail again.

Miami shot the ball poorly in the first half, but NC State wasn’t a lot better. In the second half, Miami continued to struggle, while NC State found the range. The Wolfpack shot 18-28 from the field in the second half, including 6-10 from three. The 47-point outburst over the final 20 minutes was more than enough to push Miami aside.

The Hurricanes would have had a far worse evening had they not done well on the offensive glass and at the free throw line. On a different night, their performance at the line (21-25) could have been the difference. But State was too good in that second half, and anyway the Hurricanes finished -8 in the turnover category, which needed to be the other way around for the ‘Canes.

Four Wolfpack players scored in double figures, led by DJ Funderburk’s 19 points. Devon Daniels knocked in 7-11 from the field and scored 15—he played well in the Pack’s win at Miami last season, too.

This is a good beginning to the week, and now the Pack needs to get a winning streak goin’. Clemson will be in town on Saturday.