Darrion Williams led the charge for North Carolina State, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists as the Wolfpack dismantled Syracuse 88-68 at the Lenovo Center. The home team's convincing win was fueled by a balanced attack, with Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin also making significant contributions. Copeland tallied 19 points and 9 assists, while Lubin added 18 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing the depth and versatility of the NC State roster.
The Wolfpack took control of the game from the outset, building a 41-37 lead by halftime. They then exploded for 47 points in the second half, outscoring the Orange by 16 points over the final 20 minutes. Donnie Freeman was the lone bright spot for Syracuse, posting 24 points and 10 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Wolfpack's onslaught. J.J. Starling chipped in with 17 points for the Orange, but the team's offense was unable to keep pace with NC State's high-powered attack.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had NC State winning by 9.2 points, but the Wolfpack exceeded expectations, winning by a convincing 20-point margin. The actual score of 88-68 was a far cry from the predicted 70-70 deadlock, a reflection of the Wolfpack's dominance on the night. The win was a significant one for NC State, as it marked a Q3 victory on their resume, a crucial component in the NCAA tournament selection process.
For Syracuse, the loss was a Q1 defeat, a challenging outcome for a team looking to bolster its tournament credentials. The Orange must regroup and refocus, as they face a daunting schedule in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, NC State want to build on this momentum, as they continue to solidify their position in the tournament field. With a strong net ranking of 27, the Wolfpack are well-positioned to make a deep run in the postseason.
The implications of this result are clear: NC State has taken a significant step forward in their tournament aspirations, while Syracuse faces an uphill climb to regain traction. As the season enters its final stretch, the Wolfpack want to continue their winning ways, while the Orange must find a way to bounce back from this disappointing loss. With their convincing win over Syracuse, NC State has sent a strong message to the college basketball world: they are a force to be reckoned with, and their tournament resume is only getting stronger.