Pack Powers Past Tech

OK, before any of us gets too excited about NC State's win over Virginia Tech this weekend... allow me to cast the following wet blanket over the festivities: Any Division One team that shoots 66-percent from the floor FOR THE GAME should win that game regardless of the opponent.

But that having been said, it's hard not to be impressed by State's performance. Coming off one of their most dismal efforts of the season (and if you were at the Maryland game like I was, you know...), the Wolfpackers turn in maybe their most inspiring against Tech.

The Pack controlled the tempo from beginning to end, with State's players admitting they did want to run at times. But Sidney Lowe would have none of that, exhorting his players to run a more deliberate tempo which forced the Hokies to play defense for a full 45 seconds. That's the formula State has used twice now to beat Virginia Tech, and once more in their dramatic win over Carolina.

If you can dictate the terms -- whether it's in basketball, football, baseball, chess or tiddley-winks, you've won half of the battle already. Basically, you're determining how the game will be played, and of course you'll choose a style that best fits yours. When NC State is able to do that, they're an infinitely better team. Just ask Virginia Tech... and Carolina, for that matter.

Now let's talk about those two dreaded words "post" and "season." Not that anyone is frothing at the mouth over the NIT... but I was a bit surprised to find that a winning record is not a requirement for entry.

In a Feb. 2006 press release regarding their new selection procedures, the NIT lets it be known that: "The committee also decided that a winning record would not be a prerequisite for teams to qualify for the postseason tournament."

I was also surprised to see that one of the NIT selection committee members is none other than Dean Smith, but I digress.

The reason I mention this is that State needs only one more win to guarantee at least an even won-loss record. Now, for any of us to start talking about an "NCAA" bid, I think the Pack would need to finish the regular season 3-1 and then win a couple of games in Tampa. Or they could just win the ACC Tournament...

But aside from that, the NIT would provde A) More practices and, B) A chance to end on a very positive note. And, the team I saw on Sunday is NOT a team anyone wants to face in the post-season.