NC State fights off a late UNC rally, beats the Tar Heels 79-76
UNC got its offensive bounce back as it does normally, and Jericole Hellems barely scratched the scoring column, yet still this was a game that NC State led by 17 at a point during the first half.
Devon Daniels and Manny Bates both were exceptional, and Shakeel Moore picked quite an ideal opportunity to break out for 17 points. Those three consolidated to shoot 21-35 from the floor, while UNC and, most quite, Garrison Brooks, battled from the field. Brooks resembled a NBA All-Star in two games against State last season however shot only 5-14 this evening.
R.J. Davis and Caleb love consolidated to shoot 8-28.
The Tar Heels’ absence of perimeter offense was clear as they shot only 2-12 from three, and that was especially harming since the Heels had just an average night inside the arc: half on twos.
NC State got effective perimeter scoring, going 8-17 from outside, and that aided give the Wolfpack a definitive shooting edge overall. That and a +4 turnover margin overcame the Heels’ bouncing back preferred position, flipping that specific script on its head for once.
A less agonizing completion would have been pleasant, yet who cares, it’s a success and it’s a consolation and Christmas isn’t canceled.
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