State ends the regular season on a depressing note, losing to Wake Forest 78-67.

It looked like departing Wolfpack senior Gavin Grant might lead State back as his layup with 5:30 minutes left to go brought State within two, 60-58. But it was not to be. After fighting back from a defect of 10, the Wolfpack seemingly ran out of steam and Wake Forest went on a 7-0 run to put the Wolfpack’s regular season out of it’s misery.

State’s leading scorers against Wake were Grant (16), Hickson (11), and Costner (10). Grant also threw in 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Low points include Courtney Fells (1-5 from the field, 1-4 from 3pt line; a turnover and 4 fouls in 25 minutes) and Marques Johnson (why does this guy still get playing time? 3 points in 11 minutes on 1-4 shooting with 2 turnovers). McCauley only saw 11 minutes of action as he gave way playing time to Costner. While Costner scored 10, it was on 3-13 shooting (1-6 from 3pt land) and had 2 turnovers with only 2 rebounds.

While these are a lot of numbers, I think it’s important to point out that State shot 44% on the day. Replacing Fells, Johnson, and Costner, State would have shot 59% from the field.

Up next (and all that’s left now) is the ACC tournament.

As StateFansNation.com points out, NC State will play the ACC tourney as a twelve seed …dead last in the conference. The tournament starts on March 13th and runs through the 16th.

Popularity: 74% [?]

13 straight missed shots. 10 minute scoreless streak. 2-20 shooting over the last 15 minutes of the 1st half. 0-9 streak from the three point line during the second half.

Despite dreadful stats like these, NC State was able to battle back in the second half to take a 64-62 lead with only 2:30 to go. But a three pointer from Clemson freshman Terrence Oglesby with 2:00 to go was the key play in the game:

“It was at the top of our scouting report: ‘Don’t release off of him,’” State coach Sidney Lowe said. “And then he gets a wide open 3.” –FayObserver.com

Hickson scored 13 points and 23 rebounds to lead the Wolfpack, however he went the first 14 minutes of the game without a basket, despite having 10 rebounds at the time. Gavin Grant had 18 and Courtney Fells tossed in 17 more from to lead State.

“I told our guys we played hard, and there really wasn’t much I could say because they put forth a great effort. We just made some mistakes down the stretch there,” Coach Lowe said. –Winston-Salem Journal

…and another “must win” goes by without State getting the win. The second half run was impressive, and many thought Clemson was going to fade like they did against Carolina earlier this month. But Clemson didn’t let it happen this time.

Up next for the Wolfpack, the Tarheels on Wednesday night at 7pm.

Popularity: 23% [?]

It was a great night… for James Gist of Maryland who dropped 30 points on the Wolfpack to carry Maryland to an 84-70 win Saturday night. The Wolfpack started strong, but faded in the second half to drop to 15-8 on the season and 4-5 in ACC conference play.

Grant (17), Fells(14), and Hickson (14) all scored in double digits. Ben McCauley started in place of Costner Saturday night and scored only 4 points on 2-8 shooting from the field and received a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. While Costner came off the bench to score 9 points on 4-8 from the field during his 25 minutes.

State lead 33-31 going into the half, but Maryland came roaring back with a 12-0 run lead by Gist and Maryland Center Bambale Osby. State eventually gave up 53 points in the second half, while scoring only 37.

J.J. Hickson’s analysis on the ‘Packs fade?

“That’s been the story all season,” Hickson said. “N.C. State, us up at halftime, and in the first few minutes of the second half, they blow the lead. I think it is just more of us getting relaxed with a lead at halftime and coming out flat.” –The Technician

Of course the scoring performance from Gist and 15 assists (school record) from Maryland Freshman point guard Greivis Vasquez didn’t hurt either.

But I think Courtney Fells said it best:

“We’re not doing what we’re supposed to do defensively. You’ve got to want it, man. It’s just very disappointing right now.” — News & Observer

Looking ahead, the Wolfpack has a Valentine’s day match up with Boston College. With seven games left, the Wolfpack had better find a way to “Want it,” otherwise look for them in the N.I.T. come March.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Never trailing and up by as much as 19 points, NC State closed out the Hokies on Tuesday night to improve their overall record to 15-7 on the year and pull even in ACC conference play with a 4-4 record.

The win marked the sixth straight win for NC State against Virginia Tech, dating back almost four years. The win was impressive by State as forward Brandon Costner set this one out with a rib injury that he suffered during practice this week.

So why does the Wolfpack seem to have the Hokies number?

“I don’t know, man, that’s a good question,” Hokies junior guard A.D. Vassallo said. “They just know how to beat us, I guess.” –Washington Post

Freshman phenom J.J. Hickson probably had something to do with it, throwing down 21 points to lead all scorers. Courtney Fells tossed in 14 and Javier Gonzalez added a season high 11. If that wasn’t enough, the ‘Pack shot 54% from the field on Tuesday as an encore performance from last year’s victory where they shot a lights-out 66% against Tech.

Despite great shooting, Hickson cites team chemistry as the key to State’s recent success..

“Right now, we are playing with a lot of confidence,” Hickson said. “We are playing with more chemistry. Brandon didn’t play tonight, but he is still in here with us. We just have to play harder and win these two road games.” –Raleigh Chronicle

The Wolfpack heads to College Park to take on the Terrapins, Saturday at 8:00 PM.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Three highlights: Gonzalez to Fells dunk, Gonzalez to Hickson dunk, and McCauley with the last second put-back dunk for the win.

Popularity: 26% [?]