The Wolfpack defense did not show up to play in this one
Game Summary:
NC State played one of their worst games of the season in their return to Lenovo. The Pack has struggled often offensively, but normally the defense has kept them in games. That was not the case in this one, the Wolfpack defense was badly outplayed.
The first half was rough, Louisville hit everything, and NC State missed too many. The Cardinals shot 60.7% / 55.6% in the half and the Wolfpack 32.3% / 28.6%. Uncharacteristically, the Pack turned the ball over 9 times, giving up 13 points off turnovers. Only one NC State player hit more than one shot, Breon Pass was 4-5 / 2-3 and scored (ACC career high) 12 points – only 2 off his season high. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield returned to the lineup with a ton of energy and grabbed 9 rebounds (7 off) helping the Wolfpack to their only bright spot, leading the rebounding 18-16. Halftime score 41-27.
The second half was more of the same. NC State never threatened Louisville. The Cardinals shot better in the second half than the first, 66.7% / 60% to the Wolfpack’s 40% / 36.8%. Louisville had very little trouble scoring. As has happened many times, we were competitive on the boards in the first half but beaten in the second. Louisville dominated points in the paint, 46-16. Final score 66-91, Louisville.
Overall Takeaways:
- Nine consecutive losses – ties the most since the Valvano era
- NC State averages 65.8 points per game in ACC play but normally holds their opponents to an average of 72.1 points. Louisville shot 57.9% from 3PT, 20.3 better than their ACC average of 37.6%. The defense struggled in this one.
- Huntley-Hatfield returned and provided much needed rebounding and passed out of the post well. Unfortunately he got only 3 shots due to being double teamed most of the game.
- Trey Parker (22 mins) and Paul McNeil (13 mins) got quality minutes on the floor. Together they were 5-9 from 3PT.
- The Wolfpack had an excellent 16 assists on 22 made baskets. Unfortunately, the Cardinals had 35 made baskets.
Coach Keatts’ Comments
Individual Highlights
- Trey Parker led scoring for the second consecutive game with 13 points, however it took him 13 shots
- Brandon Huntley-Hatfield returned and led the team in rebounding (10) and assists (4)
- Paul McNeil had his career high points with 12. He was an excellent 5-7 / 2-3