It's been a bad week for N.C. State. But at least on Saturday against Boston College, State put forth a better effort. However, I'm sure the Wolves are howling over this latest defeat.
I thought the Pack had them when they took the lead late, but again rebounding was a problem. Craig Smith, 18 points, 14 rebounds as BC won the battle of the glass 46-34 with 19 offensive boards. State got killed on the offensive glass by Carolina and the same happened against Boston College.
State started out hot, but really cooled off shooting just 39 percent from the field and 11 of 35 from three.
The mood, though, after the game was somewhat upbeat. But that's typical of the even keel that Herb Sendek preaches. You won't see State players throwing things and mouthing off after a loss. The seniors, of course, weren't happy to lose and neither was the coach, but they all say a lot of basketball is left to be played and they are right. But the Wolfpack needs this week off to get some new perspective. After winning a number of close one's, they get blown out by UNC and then lose this one in double OT. Also, when you're looking at the seeding for the NCAAs, State's lack of quality wins will hurt. State has a lot of cupcake wins and the fact that ACC is down doesn't help the strength of schedule.
Andrew Brackman only played ten minutes Saturday -- maybe that's because he's going to pitch in the baseball game on Sunday. I don't think he can help the basketball team if he's thinking baseball.
This off week-is very important for them. Rest and regroup and come back fresh against Wake Forest.
As the players say, there is plenty of basketball left, and they still believe they're a good team, but what else can they say?
Bottom line: State is struggling, except for the FSU game, none of their recent games have been easy.
Right now, this looks like a tired team running on empty. When a team is tired, the shooting suffers. Also, maybe a little week of learning how to box out better will help rebounding.
Last year, NCSU played their best in the tournament. Will that happen again? I still think this is a solid team -- a little rest this week could make a big difference.
