Not our best game
Game Summary:
Merriam-Webster says ‘ugly’ is defined as “offensive to the sight”. There was a lot of ugly in this game, starting with 47 fouls called.
The first half was defined by Coastal Carolina out rebounding us 15-9, and RaSheed Jones hitting 4/5 3PT shots. Micheal O’Connell clearly demonstrated his worth by sitting out much of the first half, and the Pack barely staying ahead for a 35-33 halftime lead.
The second half adjustments showed right away, and NC State built a 10 point lead quickly, and by the 18:24 mark was up 44-33 and the Chanticleers never got within 7 after that. Jones only hit one more 3PT after halftime and we won the second half rebounding. This was one of those games where you’re never really worried, but not comfortable either.
Overall Takeaways:
- Rebounding is still a problem. Styles is an excellent rebounder and pulled 6, which coincidently is the same totaled by Middlebrooks, Diouf, and Huntley-Hatfield.
- Free throw shooting 80%! We needed it, we got about a third of our points from the line. Coach Keatts had them go to the gym on their own and shoot 100 free throws this week. It helped.
- Three point shooting – 0% – Only one player could hit it on either team. The Wolfpack shot 0-10, five of those were taken by Middlebrooks and Diouf.
- Another fine showing by Trey Parker and Bryce Heard.
- Zero turnovers by our point guards
Keatts’ Comments
Individual Highlights
- Jayden Taylor had another strong offensive game, shooting 53.3% from the field. However, 5 turnovers (of the team’s 10) for the second consecutive game.
- Dontrez Styles (9-9-10) and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (13-11-13) have been consistent offensively over the first three games
- Brandon Huntley-Hatfield led us in assists
- Great to see Diouf on the floor, 3 rebounds, 2 points and one assist in his first game
- Trey Parker had an excellent game for his third college game.