The Pack finally wins one by beating #8 ranked, and suddenly struggling Georgia Tech 76-68.
= > The Pack looked a lot like last year’s squad with more balanced play in all facets of the game. (including almost blowing a double-digit lead inside of five minutes). State shot well, and shot even better for the foul line where they were so great last year. In one five minute span in the second half, State made only one field goal but was able to maintain our lead by hitting 9 straight free throws during the time.
= > Forgive my confusion…but how in the world could we win without Tony Bethel AND Levi Watkins playing?
= > The Freshmen continue to play very well. Gavin Grant & Andrew Brackman both stepped up again in expanded rolls.
= > Brackman played so well the RBC crowd started chants for him. Fans will naturally gravitate to comparing Brackman to other 6’10+ players with a versatility like Tom Gugliotta, Danny Ferry, and Christain Laettner. Although I think that these comparisons are definite accurate, I think that such a comparison may be influenced too much by skin color. I haven’t thought through it enough to come up with other comparisons for Brackman, so feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments section. It is not going to be easy, because not many players possess the ability or desire to play defense enough to block shots as effectively as Brackman.
= > Cameron Bennerman also continues to play well and provide the Pack the kind of all-around athleticism to compete in the ACC. With Engin Atsur’s poor shooting this season, Bennerman’s ability to nail open three’s generated by the offensive system will continue to be important.
= > Julius Hodge played like…Julius Hodge.
= > State snapped a 4-game losing streak and improves to 11-5 overall and 1-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The win also represents State’s first win of the season over a team that is considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament.
= > The win helps position the Wolfpack with some hope to salvage the season as we enter a four-game stretch that is manageable and will have to yield no worse than a 3-1 record if State wants to feel justified to even have an eye on the NCAA Tournament Bubble. The Pack is @ Virginia Tech on Wednesday, @ Maryland on Sunday, hosts Florida State (Wed, Jan 26) and travels to Clemson on Saturday, January 29th.
Pack Pride’s Monday Morning Webrun.
