NC State secured a hard-fought 84-83 win over Southern Methodist at Moody Coliseum, with Darrion Williams' 25 points proving to be the difference-maker. The Wolfpack's victory was fueled by a strong second-half performance, where they outscored the Mustangs 50-41. Despite being predicted to win by a mere 0.0 points by CHD Scout, NC State's actual margin of victory was just one point, making for a nail-biting finish.
The first half belonged to SMU, as they took a 42-34 lead into the break. Jaron Pierre Jr. was unstoppable, scoring 23 points to lead the Mustangs' charge. However, NC State regrouped and refocused, with Williams and his teammates mounting a fierce comeback. The Wolfpack's Ven-Allen Lubin chipped in with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Matt Able added 13 points to the effort.
As the game intensified, both teams traded baskets, with neither able to gain a significant advantage. SMU's Boopie Miller had a solid all-around game, contributing 14 points and 8 assists, while B.J. Edwards pulled down 9 rebounds to go along with his 11 points. Despite these efforts, the Mustangs were ultimately unable to contain Williams and the Wolfpack's high-powered offense.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win was a significant one for NC State, as it marked a Quadrant 1 victory for the Wolfpack. With a current net ranking of 26, NC State continues to bolster its tournament resume. For SMU, the loss was also a Quadrant 1 affair, which will likely have minimal impact on their overall standing. The Mustangs, currently ranked 34th in net ranking, want to regroup and refocus as they continue their season.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had NC State winning by a razor-thin margin, and while they correctly picked the winner, the actual scoreline deviated from their projected 80-81 outcome. In the end, NC State's ability to outlast SMU and secure the win will be a valuable addition to their tournament portfolio.
This result will undoubtedly have implications for both teams' tournament chances. NC State's win strengthens their position, as they continue to accumulate high-quality victories. With several weeks remaining in the regular season, the Wolfpack want to build on this momentum and solidify their spot in the NCAA Tournament. For SMU, the loss serves as a reminder of the fierce competition they will face in the coming weeks, and they must regroup and refocus to achieve their postseason goals. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will be closely watched, with their tournament fates hanging in the balance.