The Mycenaean

NC State improved to 2-3 in ACC play with a 24 point win over Duke on January 5. This was by far the Pack’s most impressive win this season.

In a game in which NC State led for all 40 minutes, there were multiple breakout performances including 45 points between Jarkell Joiner and Terquavion Smith. This game was an utter domination through and through as the Blue Devils’ first points came with 12:24 remaining in the first half. 

NC State was without Jack Clark and Isaiah Miranda. The pack had a really thin roster and it didn’t set them back one bit. Players Like DJ Burns and Greg Gantt stepped up and played valuable minutes. 

NC State dominated for the majority of the first half and doubled up Duke’s score with a buzzer beating 3 pointer by Jarkel Joiner. The Pack led 44-22 through 20 minutes. 

After a lackluster first half from the Blue Devils, they came out and started the second half with a 4-0 run and started to put some stops together on defense. Their momentum was quickly diminished by an onslaught of NC State 3 pointers. 

As a team, State shot a staggering 39% from beyond the ark. The Wolfpack lead grew to as much as 28 points. 

With last night’s loss, Duke has now lost three of the last four against State in PNC Arena. 

The Wolfpack is averaging nearly 80 points per game and is showing signs of improvement on defense. Shot selection and good coaching in key situations will determine how NC State fairs throughout the remainder of conference play.